tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85699213432676762402024-03-05T12:03:15.796+01:00Às Voltas no MundoRelatos bilingues das minhas aventuras pelo mundo.Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.comBlogger1116125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-33193948659641376412021-12-24T10:43:00.001+01:002021-12-24T10:43:00.154+01:00Advent posting - Day 24 - Merry Christmas<p> I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2022!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDFFQCfjTT1pa9VIXR0zdx2gy9riMp9migqP0NEyJ4ja1fpxRxQVA36y7H3siGRXN6ulqQuTNRUtbU4irSQwFhyFh5uuCin6xjV3Lh2ohFKEs4w3OH_RfPSCT6QtszyAg7Jmy6NjNWXwzpgPms55W2CHurTRw4DCUO0_1wjuoIva-ZD9WUqTSLpRuQ=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDFFQCfjTT1pa9VIXR0zdx2gy9riMp9migqP0NEyJ4ja1fpxRxQVA36y7H3siGRXN6ulqQuTNRUtbU4irSQwFhyFh5uuCin6xjV3Lh2ohFKEs4w3OH_RfPSCT6QtszyAg7Jmy6NjNWXwzpgPms55W2CHurTRw4DCUO0_1wjuoIva-ZD9WUqTSLpRuQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">An authentic Christmas Tree just outside my building. Unfortunately, all the snow is gone now. </div><div><br /></div><br /><p><b>Tea behind the window</b>: Holiday Celebration</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window</b>: Large Oreo Cookie</p><p><b>Running</b>: 24 minutes of pure Christmas joy</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-35830545035975792482021-12-23T11:00:00.000+01:002021-12-23T11:00:00.601+01:00Advent posting - Day 23 - Advent posting<p>Advent posting has been fun and challenging and fun again. It was challenging in those days full of work, training, and other things to do. It was fun to think of random themes and make them fun. It was definitely fun to write again as well!</p><p>I hope I will continue and not just abandon my blog again. The amount of traveling has been greatly reduced in the past years, but not the number of adventures and experiences that I would like to share. Therefore, I intend to continue sharing them, despite having only a few (but loyal) readers. </p><p>Blogging might be old fashion but it still is just as charming as before. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjus38sCgQU_lxgYxB0bkJ2BDp3011ygO8yKVc9A26AWiyKFnXVjR7bViHcGXoA-4pG7DpCrKosXdRhK4o9AnqiBXjmnk9RjIRVxxxBxBjp4WNYVqIt15R0fdEQ6TMvPpXV3l8PnWdkEAEppXY2u6hWm1F-GKw6dtisPsKr5kbDzFjprwXESN3LkyAg=s624" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="624" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjus38sCgQU_lxgYxB0bkJ2BDp3011ygO8yKVc9A26AWiyKFnXVjR7bViHcGXoA-4pG7DpCrKosXdRhK4o9AnqiBXjmnk9RjIRVxxxBxBjp4WNYVqIt15R0fdEQ6TMvPpXV3l8PnWdkEAEppXY2u6hWm1F-GKw6dtisPsKr5kbDzFjprwXESN3LkyAg=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo from the internet (<a href="https://www.onblastblog.com/5-festive-christmas-blog-post-ideas-winter/" target="_blank">link here</a>)</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Tea behind the window</b>: Peppermint Candy</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window</b>: Candy bar</p><p><b>Running</b>: 64+26 minutes (window 18)</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-84163612811892870742021-12-22T21:09:00.005+01:002021-12-22T21:09:45.565+01:00Advent posting - Day 21,22 - Working and baking<p>This will be the most boring post of the entire advent series. </p><p>There has been a lot of work, some running and some Christmas baking and preparing. And of course, some tea drinking!</p><p>I think none of my readers will mind, as all of you are probably also pretty busy with Christmas preparations. Enjoy it and don't stress about it!</p><p><br /></p><p>Happy Christmas preparations!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Teas</b>: Spooky Spice and Festive Holiday</p><p>Oreo: regular cookie and hazelnut ball</p><p><b>Running</b>: 95 min and 15 min.</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-9844065954876516142021-12-20T17:32:00.000+01:002021-12-20T17:32:31.510+01:00Advent posting - Day 20 - Julbord<p>Julbord is a Swedish word that means Christmas table or in a better translation Christmas buffet. As in many other countries, it is common to eat out with your friends, family, or colleagues during the Christmas season. In Portugal, we would pick a random restaurant that everyone liked, but in Sweden, a Christmas dinner usually means Christmas food. </p><p>The menu on the Julbord is not that different from the food one eats on Christmas eve at home. The biggest difference is that on a Julbord the food is not homemade (but it can be just as good, depending on the restaurant). </p><p>The traditional Julbord usually goes like this:</p><p><b>Plate 1.</b> Pickled herring, anything from 3 to 30 different kinds of pickling. Other smoked fishes, usually salmon (cold smoked, warm smoked, with extra seasoning, without...). Boiled egg halves with something on top (mayo, shrimp, caviar, etc).</p><p><b>Plate 2.</b> Cold meats (chritmas ham, wild meat), pâtés and terrines. Beetroot salad and/or cabbage salad. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1LuDfR1VsPD_70vcU1yoxXdnnjoWueCNlkNrA6PAVsd6pKJ86uMi97f-fKHvRJosSIukynPrBc2M7hrmjJZSsF-tPz3ZNrDdnJLrPNaLIaEqCEtpCLJC40m6v71UvBFsRhl4Mz-rsqT5sFaCoYRz1Ffu7snP_gkjaQnrf8Z7S1XWEg2E4CkBKe-FB=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1LuDfR1VsPD_70vcU1yoxXdnnjoWueCNlkNrA6PAVsd6pKJ86uMi97f-fKHvRJosSIukynPrBc2M7hrmjJZSsF-tPz3ZNrDdnJLrPNaLIaEqCEtpCLJC40m6v71UvBFsRhl4Mz-rsqT5sFaCoYRz1Ffu7snP_gkjaQnrf8Z7S1XWEg2E4CkBKe-FB=w640-h336" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Photo from https://www.arla.se/artiklar/klassiska-ratter-julbordet/</div><p></p><p><b>Plate 3. </b>Hot food: meatballs, sausages, glazed ribs, Jansson's temptation (a weird kind of gratin), red and brown cabbage. Sometimes brussels sprouts. Sometimes cheese pie (sooooo good).</p><p><b>Plate 4.</b> Rice pudding, saffron pudding, chocolate truffles. Caramels and candy. </p><p>(Coming from a Christmas tradition where one has at least one dessert per person on the Christmas table, Sweden was a shock for me, as they mostly eat candy for dessert. It might be because of all the meat one eats before. Who has room for dessert anyway?)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnhdNUHTgwpIap-poQZelm7W2HiO11KLiWTAVCMBB10k1vR3hg_m1UOtAOFzf3FA3qPSoafHwfpRu_IvFDbJhaN-IopDiJ-HQ4ET6IB9GUZ0eBbjFy9zQBEyR1BxLqPe-JaxV3YnO8BeWygQmX1q9CAUtvk7LKpVi9Is1LzY56YW7d8rGz-d7Rb4wU=s740" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="740" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnhdNUHTgwpIap-poQZelm7W2HiO11KLiWTAVCMBB10k1vR3hg_m1UOtAOFzf3FA3qPSoafHwfpRu_IvFDbJhaN-IopDiJ-HQ4ET6IB9GUZ0eBbjFy9zQBEyR1BxLqPe-JaxV3YnO8BeWygQmX1q9CAUtvk7LKpVi9Is1LzY56YW7d8rGz-d7Rb4wU=w400-h234" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo from https://www.djuronaset.com/galleri/julbord/</div><br /><p>Julbords are so common and popular that even Ikea has such a buffet in December. Simple, tasty, and cheap. Others places do a more luxurious take on a Christmas buffet with 30 different kinds of pickled herring or 10 different kinds of smoked salmon. Most of them offer something in between.</p><p>If you ever find yourself in Sweden in December give it a try. The food is usually delicious and you get to celebrate your own Swedish Christmas (even if it's not Christmas eve or day). </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Tea behind the window</b>: Happy Holiday</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window</b>: oreo cookie</p><p><b>Running</b>: 10 minutes (window 2)</p><p> </p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-41667632065328927842021-12-19T12:43:00.002+01:002021-12-20T17:32:49.549+01:00Advent posting - Day 19 - Sunset<p> Let's celebrate the fourth and last advent of 2021 by revisiting the best sunsets of this year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV-vTSj4kYGZy8mEPLLlFLazdln_OlWxpY6IvcdsAEjAVmqXFGVYaiDYyJ9b_Qnn-oIvjFuQnFp3OeoFcvphHse39f7ZSV48TtY12jXra9lsh3hZHdwd974gLh4wT-tLmz1hAu_PFKhCDTjhup38a_nhgdSQZjn6YiSqZTu0ijvpOU53UsZoy-8pTV=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgV-vTSj4kYGZy8mEPLLlFLazdln_OlWxpY6IvcdsAEjAVmqXFGVYaiDYyJ9b_Qnn-oIvjFuQnFp3OeoFcvphHse39f7ZSV48TtY12jXra9lsh3hZHdwd974gLh4wT-tLmz1hAu_PFKhCDTjhup38a_nhgdSQZjn6YiSqZTu0ijvpOU53UsZoy-8pTV=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somewhere on the west coast of Sweden</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRzTZLO4WVrQ7bg8EsnZOxcJvU0QnLs7oJFF4Mw9bsdb6c01xFpTVBeGTV_a_3kZQh-7CWP3YV0BRmR46p6g5_wxdBMFtKy4zFUdPYZgGfiugR335xsY2VtxmaCoJl3jJCD9HHvymaKjeRhkpFi7mebbNwr4qOixZRgAXwHlBVexnZTket2WaBp2zf=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRzTZLO4WVrQ7bg8EsnZOxcJvU0QnLs7oJFF4Mw9bsdb6c01xFpTVBeGTV_a_3kZQh-7CWP3YV0BRmR46p6g5_wxdBMFtKy4zFUdPYZgGfiugR335xsY2VtxmaCoJl3jJCD9HHvymaKjeRhkpFi7mebbNwr4qOixZRgAXwHlBVexnZTket2WaBp2zf=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lake of Kåsjön, not too far from here</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGlVAjK-55gKNIYCnmP-cC536jXthMFIHEMRPQJelOQzoi-QldnQc648dwrVgsz1mrMw3NW83lHIvb_zGh_JZTwkgG_C_3lbcMGLAt2n6wImfi33uDK0Re_pK0VrX0mzuqDBgEbMILe_eB0ma-3JCHRFMDIlR0_NAJNY3Q25MU5ewveyygDkK3wX_f=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjGlVAjK-55gKNIYCnmP-cC536jXthMFIHEMRPQJelOQzoi-QldnQc648dwrVgsz1mrMw3NW83lHIvb_zGh_JZTwkgG_C_3lbcMGLAt2n6wImfi33uDK0Re_pK0VrX0mzuqDBgEbMILe_eB0ma-3JCHRFMDIlR0_NAJNY3Q25MU5ewveyygDkK3wX_f=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Douro Valley, Portugal</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_gI5vI8fcM6200kjCulErS8W_dl4UUVHaV879uzCsnpPSoXZANzZpVb0Mt_NdqQQ9JinxqXxsnU0StrTZVOH6JIjr-A8PbEv3UEPOu2Ouu4QJDRcitB2gEciwZi1AatPrdTfgrgV5_dZXQnjWVrEQ7VMfVFftnR251Dew2nd_vMjJw6vd3wf_oc13=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_gI5vI8fcM6200kjCulErS8W_dl4UUVHaV879uzCsnpPSoXZANzZpVb0Mt_NdqQQ9JinxqXxsnU0StrTZVOH6JIjr-A8PbEv3UEPOu2Ouu4QJDRcitB2gEciwZi1AatPrdTfgrgV5_dZXQnjWVrEQ7VMfVFftnR251Dew2nd_vMjJw6vd3wf_oc13=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mariestad, Sweden</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhy49avqKJX6FKfy7TGpAgajhwdWr5vDybwXogvzVnAau1ZefHyh6LITdZlif68W2P170N-r_C_fWw1l_o7wOzLH-PoePN2CGH3HkZ-Q4vgtrZklfvV2JEbeqGhsdQ6S8abG92_nbYXe8Sn3-iz_7SHPx523FkDdoAeUIuhfftxEWxAAQndM0kK-mcN=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhy49avqKJX6FKfy7TGpAgajhwdWr5vDybwXogvzVnAau1ZefHyh6LITdZlif68W2P170N-r_C_fWw1l_o7wOzLH-PoePN2CGH3HkZ-Q4vgtrZklfvV2JEbeqGhsdQ6S8abG92_nbYXe8Sn3-iz_7SHPx523FkDdoAeUIuhfftxEWxAAQndM0kK-mcN=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somewhere in Dalarna, Sweden (Yes, these are the original colors, no filters used!)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1CEDtcc1fexprhxTE-FjpbvG4IWkz4itz-aPuTj2nIL0CWlhXETX1EYQUo9K66pYFixGxQy6rwcgUmTZUL_DILSPBh8THZU5oISdAONedrmY5NKUSh1p8A0HXaiZYqJ9WuOyb7b6gUSmXpbKeFIcVazeuB9liiWECaKihwQVSDOVhv_4bzVS6zmuj=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1CEDtcc1fexprhxTE-FjpbvG4IWkz4itz-aPuTj2nIL0CWlhXETX1EYQUo9K66pYFixGxQy6rwcgUmTZUL_DILSPBh8THZU5oISdAONedrmY5NKUSh1p8A0HXaiZYqJ9WuOyb7b6gUSmXpbKeFIcVazeuB9liiWECaKihwQVSDOVhv_4bzVS6zmuj=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From our window</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have great sunsets here, especially during Spring and Autumn. </div><br /><p><b>Tea behind the window</b>: White Wonderland</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window</b>: blue oreo ball</p><p><b>Running</b>: 20 minutes (window 4)</p><p><br /></p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-29170690637564603692021-12-18T16:43:00.001+01:002021-12-18T16:51:17.513+01:00Advent posting - Day 18 - Foggy day <p>Today we woke up to a very foggy day, with the trees mysteriously surrounded by a white mist. </p><p>That reminded me of my hometown in Portugal, on those winter mornings when we would pretend that we had a lake because the valley was full of clouds and we couldn't see any of the houses or buildings that usually stood there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxu4tsXL_9-PI_kV72LCUZVi-76M3iGImzrA0MX-qDKjGEfk2l8c3H0aTpHEy7kXxZ6tm43hWL9husfqxQn_V26GsBFpD2TmHH7ai0SdhomAo1_FswQFApXZQwTvif58KOp-T-12nPXUXHan-dfXzETmWu72MnEfzAAq6kOGPT2u3Q3StH82fdOT05=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxu4tsXL_9-PI_kV72LCUZVi-76M3iGImzrA0MX-qDKjGEfk2l8c3H0aTpHEy7kXxZ6tm43hWL9husfqxQn_V26GsBFpD2TmHH7ai0SdhomAo1_FswQFApXZQwTvif58KOp-T-12nPXUXHan-dfXzETmWu72MnEfzAAq6kOGPT2u3Q3StH82fdOT05=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fog, ice, water... or fifty shades of grey.</div><p>That also reminded me of the legend of (king) Sebastian of Portugal, who disappeared during the battle of Alcácer Quibir, in 1578, probably killed in action. His disappearance caused a crisis in Portugal and people longed for his return and better times. Until today he is referred to as the Desired and according to the legend, his return will happen in a foggy dawn, on Portugal's greatest hour of need. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsGBMr3WBHD-VURbkbc0eGmrVjt1R0dwQdvnd3iSDvVz-GnL4OOkEnFQ-rp6BnVT448IN72TCOc5dOuU6Yn4nNRGNCzOkWHG2jcqyAAwe9_A_PR2oF9oqJrt_2kF8KS6p7Cee7k4sx2MaohG7oV7PbOqtJU9pwPpPk1B7-FQnb2nZ3gl8QKT4JE9xS=s2016" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsGBMr3WBHD-VURbkbc0eGmrVjt1R0dwQdvnd3iSDvVz-GnL4OOkEnFQ-rp6BnVT448IN72TCOc5dOuU6Yn4nNRGNCzOkWHG2jcqyAAwe9_A_PR2oF9oqJrt_2kF8KS6p7Cee7k4sx2MaohG7oV7PbOqtJU9pwPpPk1B7-FQnb2nZ3gl8QKT4JE9xS=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are trees and a big lake behind the foggy curtain.</div><p></p><p>Portugal has had many difficult moments and crises, but apparently not its worst yet, as Sebastian of Portugal has still not returned. </p><p>I looked for him today, in case he had gotten lost and ended up in Sweden, but I didn't meet him. </p><p>It will probably happen on some other foggy morning then. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Tea behind the window</b>: Punchy Peppermint</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window</b>: 2 oreo cookies</p><p><b>Running</b>: 45 minutes (window 9)</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-31294137496037786442021-12-17T15:33:00.002+01:002021-12-17T15:33:15.152+01:00Advent posting - Day 17 - Do something new<p>When was the last time you did something new?</p><p>What did you do?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL_wGTAN1RMd6sSj-Csn4SFGWGirQruZe_jpus4DX5qpgV4BnJxsQNRv34P6RqN5pNjCBUg33EIqdOauVfYfZ79W8s_Y-iDf5KCwdW7OXozfCLcKNYXEpOUDTamD6fw6rdNtNAuQekBTjOUyBnkxftu_vBY74Is1YQJPuGj9LiV14CHs4c5sN3PhjS=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjL_wGTAN1RMd6sSj-Csn4SFGWGirQruZe_jpus4DX5qpgV4BnJxsQNRv34P6RqN5pNjCBUg33EIqdOauVfYfZ79W8s_Y-iDf5KCwdW7OXozfCLcKNYXEpOUDTamD6fw6rdNtNAuQekBTjOUyBnkxftu_vBY74Is1YQJPuGj9LiV14CHs4c5sN3PhjS=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Growing peppers was a new thing during the summer</div><br /><p></p><p>Doing something new now and then, challenges you out of your comfort zone and keeps life fun and interesting, so I'm a big fan of the concept. </p><p>Last summer, I won a multisport watch because, among all participants in a contest, my something new was chosen as the most creative. We were asked to innovate in our training that day, and I filmed a video of me jumping on newly found forest hurdles - that's what I say when jumping over fallen trees on the trails. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifVB8a-hFvKeDoGmG1JRNtfQXulefRhnrmXZPLg0L3qgv1hP28Flzf-hLDVpQH0IjFEYQKmrmnx4J4kg2F0CLpiQCl_ZpIar6Z3y4MMN2vcX9KxrfSA66MhpTEuFjkRwBqzz9pCUjh1nySeBlx4t2r8xVb1-VVp0ulbj13Oj7i-UvHojwij8x3Y2C3=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifVB8a-hFvKeDoGmG1JRNtfQXulefRhnrmXZPLg0L3qgv1hP28Flzf-hLDVpQH0IjFEYQKmrmnx4J4kg2F0CLpiQCl_ZpIar6Z3y4MMN2vcX9KxrfSA66MhpTEuFjkRwBqzz9pCUjh1nySeBlx4t2r8xVb1-VVp0ulbj13Oj7i-UvHojwij8x3Y2C3=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">New trails</div><br /><p>Exploring new places is a new thing I often do. It can be traveling, a new city or country, but it can just as well be a new trail outside my door.</p><p>Another way to keep it fun for me is to try new recipes and cuisines. And that's exactly what will happen as soon as I get to the kitchen today. I'll make chocolate chip cookies because it's something I've never done before (I don't really know why?!) and it sounds perfect for a cozy end of the week on the sofa with a cup of tea.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTnUFxwwzmpiMrZgCGJa0X8JhpbTLs_aJd6OQ7X9rrymBBhERXeJRJw8EnNpYvEqwN6v9qm35Brhybq8LF-Y6MxmbNERytJ7PtmKIWb3jyrIp7b8PTk69ucSbSpxA-xAgBNf-_KHDDD4Gb_qQwplLc2Drj7saGciEOID2szMHF4HILXL28lgsBeAQO=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhTnUFxwwzmpiMrZgCGJa0X8JhpbTLs_aJd6OQ7X9rrymBBhERXeJRJw8EnNpYvEqwN6v9qm35Brhybq8LF-Y6MxmbNERytJ7PtmKIWb3jyrIp7b8PTk69ucSbSpxA-xAgBNf-_KHDDD4Gb_qQwplLc2Drj7saGciEOID2szMHF4HILXL28lgsBeAQO=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A new cake recipe for my sister's birthday. We were in different countries then and we each made this cake over zoom. Definitely, a new way of baking as well!</div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>How about you? Have you done something new recently?</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Tea behind the window</b>: Tropical Lemongrass</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window</b>: chocolate bar with oreo</p><p><b>Running</b>: 55 minutes (window 11)</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-80601822652908502372021-12-16T15:48:00.001+01:002021-12-16T15:48:25.112+01:00Advent posting - Day 16 - Walks<p>Walks became a thing when we were all sent home from work and to work. I went from at least 5000 steps at work, plus cycling to and from work, to be stuck at home the whole day. I was still training and running, but I missed the movement throughout the day. My body missed that movement too and after a few weeks, I got pain in my hip flexors, and on my shoulders/neck. As so many other people did. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMZ0PW2ecwz4YWOreQ64KFCnR3u0MdATLJtoV-gXs1fugEDtxTj7JZ7kopUDsoynbN6yvaqmWEn86ZaPuqKJx_jXA7MpI8GiupiOK0alBL1TyCL3cBr87xsEWxvoKWWzVl6YrQi8Xmk-UFLu6btWyvEiQbp2uSP2NrkL1E18rrxsFSazZ6URUjc5X2=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMZ0PW2ecwz4YWOreQ64KFCnR3u0MdATLJtoV-gXs1fugEDtxTj7JZ7kopUDsoynbN6yvaqmWEn86ZaPuqKJx_jXA7MpI8GiupiOK0alBL1TyCL3cBr87xsEWxvoKWWzVl6YrQi8Xmk-UFLu6btWyvEiQbp2uSP2NrkL1E18rrxsFSazZ6URUjc5X2=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A long walk during early Autumn.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Running once a day was not helping, because it was only once a day, and my body needed more breaks than that. That's when we bought a standing/sitting desk and started to go for lunch walks. Sometimes I and the hubby go together, sometimes on our own, depending on our working schedules. Unfortunately, none of our workplaces adopted walking meetings, but that would have been great. I got so used to lunch walks and felt so refreshed afterwards, that I do them every time I can, even nowadays, and even if I'm working at the office. Sometimes I need to keep them short, due to time restrictions, but it's always nice to get those 15 minutes of fresh air in the middle of the day. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhd20mIDBUO1qddXCK70_re94Dq8Rzy-npvYwiXk1X5OpXNfsPsb4maLJ4iC9Py9zGnmXIxW8v48H7fRmIO3Hzp6nVbrQNiUTOZ6LmAu1o4wpEJWvqjeRf-830LdlQ4qxskgnwjziJ7Pu4ih1l6QP_J3oNWuwmfkCu1xUCDRUoX8lxM3sWjtR9KAIQy=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhd20mIDBUO1qddXCK70_re94Dq8Rzy-npvYwiXk1X5OpXNfsPsb4maLJ4iC9Py9zGnmXIxW8v48H7fRmIO3Hzp6nVbrQNiUTOZ6LmAu1o4wpEJWvqjeRf-830LdlQ4qxskgnwjziJ7Pu4ih1l6QP_J3oNWuwmfkCu1xUCDRUoX8lxM3sWjtR9KAIQy=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Autumn</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhplwcvRjN2qyl9oRcZupZJBrAzLnS7-DWoJwgz-lo2qpQlHEhi-rbSwNPie1dt6u6DJ9t5cebj3uf-xKnnDSA02PLzV2zN-eyly9X_ASuzc8YZ5RgALplBAZJF7bde67cqXR9lTPv4St1C-4fCo0oIYhWXyl_JeDRSYwU8DjmNOK-0xBzAw0o2Iz3g=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhplwcvRjN2qyl9oRcZupZJBrAzLnS7-DWoJwgz-lo2qpQlHEhi-rbSwNPie1dt6u6DJ9t5cebj3uf-xKnnDSA02PLzV2zN-eyly9X_ASuzc8YZ5RgALplBAZJF7bde67cqXR9lTPv4St1C-4fCo0oIYhWXyl_JeDRSYwU8DjmNOK-0xBzAw0o2Iz3g=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Winter</div><p>Last summer, while talking to some crazy and cool ultra runners, one of them told us that ultra running involves a lot of walking as well, so any extra walking in our daily lives helps a lot. She tries to have a yearly average of 20 000 steps a day and challenged us to try it. We did and started including morning walks during the days we work from the home and evening walks on non-running days. We have been on a similar average since then and started feeling the health benefits of not sitting as much almost immediately. Now, don't get me wrong, we do not walk 20 000 steps every day. We usually get a lot more than that in our long runs on weekends, so we get some buffer for the more tiring working days.</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiesH6qdW4rBsYa9IjiX9kJ-EibG2jHFaBRjb7c_vf_17lUQOaTnLxqVc2saJv-nciFQWa4ISteZ99hSvUPaS_7xFnOF10Al6QOioE-aV2_HX4gS0u0-RiJAUhvTDLErrJirkJweP863TpewBA-balqOuudZ_C5SnnBLCT-IqfzvWffrmkFi8OzfXrz=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiesH6qdW4rBsYa9IjiX9kJ-EibG2jHFaBRjb7c_vf_17lUQOaTnLxqVc2saJv-nciFQWa4ISteZ99hSvUPaS_7xFnOF10Al6QOioE-aV2_HX4gS0u0-RiJAUhvTDLErrJirkJweP863TpewBA-balqOuudZ_C5SnnBLCT-IqfzvWffrmkFi8OzfXrz=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lunch walk this week</div><p></p><p> We walk to our errands making the time useful, we listen to interesting podcasts, we have long talks with each other, we explore new corners of our neighborhood and our forest. Most important of all, we feel better, stronger, and happier. </p><p>And one should do more of what makes one happier.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Tea behind the window</b>: Ghostly Green</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window</b>: Hazelnut bar</p><p><b>Running</b>: 70 minutes (window 14)</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-21354258344653953212021-12-15T15:34:00.002+01:002021-12-15T15:34:32.807+01:00Advent posting - Day 15 - Spices in Pastries<p>Did you know that Swedes are pros in adding weird spices to their baking products? The spices themselves are not weird, but adding them to pastries and making them work is a bit weird. At least the first time you try it, but afterward you can't imagine anymore how to live without spiced buns. </p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cinnamon</span></b> </p><p>OK, not that weird. Who doesn't love a good cinnamon cake with some refreshing icing on top? Or without. It is also no surprise that cinnamon rolls are delicious.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglazU7XjOXbFfCGYqIhVVaU9Hr0VHND0c5WsMDJS6D9eMlo8pW7HmMe40bAxj4S6TVWSko-UmiGXppOxhtCC4K9dlZa-86RbwEDIthpoIKclY_JA_dryVm3TeAeIzyJganCY9uWNX1Dz5zVs8N8X9pwcpFAA0Wgso6wxswlAr0FmjzFuskzX3y6cUq=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglazU7XjOXbFfCGYqIhVVaU9Hr0VHND0c5WsMDJS6D9eMlo8pW7HmMe40bAxj4S6TVWSko-UmiGXppOxhtCC4K9dlZa-86RbwEDIthpoIKclY_JA_dryVm3TeAeIzyJganCY9uWNX1Dz5zVs8N8X9pwcpFAA0Wgso6wxswlAr0FmjzFuskzX3y6cUq=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Homemade cinnamon buns</div><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cardamom</span></b></p><p>Who would come up with the idea of using cardamom in baking goods? The Swedes (not only I know)! There are cardamom buns, but the ultimate invention is eaten traditionally on fat Tuesday and is called Semla. It is a cardamom bun, opened at 1/4 from the top, with an almond filling and whipped cream. No words can explain how delicious they are and I can't live without them anymore. Of course, we don't eat them only on fat Tuesday, as I have many years to catch up from all the time I did not live in Sweden :)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMhI481Wfo1uEW13jUe15XEAOClYzfASKjam1hIe6Z3N8IcPbps2jaodCFuFV0pWJ6tjjlG9X1e7AxVR8ZUWRGuhKsKcaNF-xWjYX16vhVs_Cx4d9FbC9LE0-GS0FrAaXkERqk8kcLxDeEjbnf9ETYsVBrSQOyxHlZNgrE_TNml70TI1zYL1HPO9vO=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMhI481Wfo1uEW13jUe15XEAOClYzfASKjam1hIe6Z3N8IcPbps2jaodCFuFV0pWJ6tjjlG9X1e7AxVR8ZUWRGuhKsKcaNF-xWjYX16vhVs_Cx4d9FbC9LE0-GS0FrAaXkERqk8kcLxDeEjbnf9ETYsVBrSQOyxHlZNgrE_TNml70TI1zYL1HPO9vO=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Homemade Semla</div><br /><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Saffran</span></b></p><p>Who would come up with the idea of using Saffran in baking goods? Yes, it's the swedes again (and again they might not be the only ones). The most popular are the Lucia buns eaten on Lucia day (December 13th, see advent posting day 13). The buns are a beautiful unique yellow and absolutely delicious, especially on the same day and with a cup of tea or coffee. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6MpufN18D_7ddeupScBrvL4DPjwj7tUJL33A-7H4TBvCJ1PkXiSFPRW1DgF7QCYP_XSjr-svl3YPvOiQOrribrnVPv_DV2A7d50G9PeSVd3cMru9jI4n7w97CfiisMtxEpVdMK-BmyFbnuWnAH6ulBgCEiUVJvQ1k_gzMPYYfOEbsHDYWOUysDcq5=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6MpufN18D_7ddeupScBrvL4DPjwj7tUJL33A-7H4TBvCJ1PkXiSFPRW1DgF7QCYP_XSjr-svl3YPvOiQOrribrnVPv_DV2A7d50G9PeSVd3cMru9jI4n7w97CfiisMtxEpVdMK-BmyFbnuWnAH6ulBgCEiUVJvQ1k_gzMPYYfOEbsHDYWOUysDcq5=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Homemade Lussekatter or Lucia buns</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">There are other saffran baked goods, such as cakes, biscotti and something similar to brownies. Try it if you dare!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div></div><p></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">Cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom</span></b></p><p>What could possibly have all of the spices above and be sweet? Are you sure you don't know?</p><p>Gingerbread cookies of course! The Swedes eat them around Christmas and prefer them thin and crispy, although thicker and used in house building projects are also quite popular. Coming December all homes, offices, and events fill up with boxes of gingerbread cookies and no one seems to get tired of them. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVDheRymWJDuDWyQhvQ1FKKCjfjHcAxmZMKcUy_m0qNoepIr74cWSREiY6p45xmf8iARf1QdqObRMUjxHrWHtxQY72qUG8JJzlKO00ZHkZkMUrC7xq-nZ2V6pqB83NOhCgDFcvEzSNTgCIWyQvVLXh21nWlvggyl-8G51ymWkvlvKPGadPWfPtDqU0=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVDheRymWJDuDWyQhvQ1FKKCjfjHcAxmZMKcUy_m0qNoepIr74cWSREiY6p45xmf8iARf1QdqObRMUjxHrWHtxQY72qUG8JJzlKO00ZHkZkMUrC7xq-nZ2V6pqB83NOhCgDFcvEzSNTgCIWyQvVLXh21nWlvggyl-8G51ymWkvlvKPGadPWfPtDqU0=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gingerbread cookies (store-bought, we don't usually bake these ones)</div><br /><b>Tea behind the window</b>: Chai Charge<div><b>Oreo behind the window</b>: Blue ball<br /><b>Running</b>: 60 minutes (window 12)<br /><br /><p></p></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-65726780234957350232021-12-15T11:05:00.003+01:002021-12-15T11:05:50.597+01:00Advent posting - Day 14 - Blogging about blogging<p>Blogging for 14 days straight is not as easy as it might look, at least not for me. Halfway through and I'm already having trouble finding blogging topics. </p><p>Well... that's not completely true. I have post ideas, but too extensive, while I want to keep advent blogging short and random. Looking around me I see a million random things I could blog about, but I decided to turn to the internet. </p><p>Do you want to know what are the top 5 ideas for starting a new blog, according to fizzle.co?</p><p><br /></p><p>1. <i>Self-improvement / personal development</i></p><p>2. <i>Health & fitness for busy people</i></p><p>3. <i>Learning a new language</i></p><p>4. <i>How to travel on a budget</i></p><p>5. <i>Writing / writing style / copywriting</i></p><p><br /></p><p>There you see, this blog is a mix of all of the above. Although, I'm not sure that's a good or a bad thing... All of the topics above are already very popular out there, so if I want a more diverse blog I need to keep looking down the list. </p><p>Here are some more appealing topic ideas:</p><p><br /></p><p>11. <i>Recipes for couples without children</i> (more risotto, fewer mash potatoes?)</p><p>12. <i>Male guides to female communication</i> (good luck...)</p><p>19. <i>Disc golf</i> (there's a course here in my forest!)</p><p>27. <i>The best burgers in your city/state/country</i> (I have been trying to try them all in Gothenburg...)</p><p>32. <i>Ghost-hunting</i> (very new to me...)</p><p>42. <i>The art of getting what you want</i> (interesting)</p><p>55. <i>How to become a famous rockstar online</i> (are rockstars still a thing?)</p><p>62. <i>Learning the Ukulele and other less common instruments</i> (now that would be fun!)</p><p><br /></p><p>I'm not sure where to start, so I'll leave the themes here to inspire you (or not!) and say that it was fun to look and write a blog post about blogging. </p><p><br /></p><p><b>Tea behind the window:</b> Super Star Anise</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window:</b> 2 regular oreo cookies</p><p><b>Running</b>: 85 minutes (window 17)</p><p><br /></p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-72252334500400375452021-12-14T09:05:00.002+01:002021-12-14T09:06:00.434+01:00Advent posting - Day 13 - Lucia day<p> St. Lucia is a special day in the Swedish calendar. Here is the story, adapted from Wikipedia:</p><p><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;">Luciadagen</span></i></b><b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;"> </span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;">or<b> Saint Lucy's Day</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;">, is a </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian" title="Christian"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration-line: none;">Christian</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;"> </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendar_of_saints" title="Calendar of saints"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration-line: none;">feast day</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;"> celebrated on 13 December in </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent" title="Advent"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration-line: none;">Advent</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;">,
commemorating </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Lucy" title="Saint Lucy"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration-line: none;">Saint Lucy</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;">, a 3rd-century </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_martyr" title="Christian martyr"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration-line: none;">martyr</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;">, who
according to legend brought "food and aid to Christians hiding in
the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catacombs" title="Catacombs"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; text-decoration-line: none;">catacombs</span></a><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white;">" using a candle-lit wreath to "light her
way and leave her hands free to carry as much food as possible".</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Alongside
Midsummer, the Lucia celebrations represent one of the foremost cultural
traditions in Sweden, with their clear reference to life in the peasant communities
of old: darkness and light, cold and warmth.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Lucia is an
ancient mythical figure with an abiding role as a bearer of light in the dark
Swedish winters.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Lucia is
celebrated with singing chants, and all Swedes know the standard Lucia song by
heart, and everyone can sing it, in or out of tune. The Lucia celebrations also
include ginger snaps and sweet, </span><a href="https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/saffransbullar-and-pepparkakor/" title="Lussekatter"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">saffron-flavoured buns (lussekatter)</span></a><span lang="EN-US"> shaped like curled-up cats and with
raisin eyes. You eat them with </span><a href="https://sweden.se/culture-traditions/snaps-and-glogg/" title="Glögg"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: windowtext; text-decoration-line: none;">glögg</span></a><span lang="EN-US"> or coffee.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Light is very important in Sweden, especially in the darkness of winters. On Lucia day, we usually get up extra early and by 7:30 we are all at work, eating a saffron-bun and drinking alcohol-free glogg. In some departments, there's even a Lucia train, where one person dresses as Lucia, with a crown of light on the head, and the other ones follow behind, chanting and all dressed in white robes.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju8cFcrmx5vROLdJELc9_dFQOSZSHr73gROptcGxgXBKqfEPYDhQclBJdxz_Ih58oAiTRnB78F-tuqDmNTBA1vVa-TuFiz8SYcgdhSY5z0YSbYlwEjTIFXbP77k4HeqLfCPIj3G5tR4uKqEjojTGlsMCqgSsdnTZ3ilkk2e6U3KqR7oDzGhMavkF7d=s610" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="610" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju8cFcrmx5vROLdJELc9_dFQOSZSHr73gROptcGxgXBKqfEPYDhQclBJdxz_Ih58oAiTRnB78F-tuqDmNTBA1vVa-TuFiz8SYcgdhSY5z0YSbYlwEjTIFXbP77k4HeqLfCPIj3G5tR4uKqEjojTGlsMCqgSsdnTZ3ilkk2e6U3KqR7oDzGhMavkF7d=w400-h205" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><b>Tea behind the window</b>: Gingerbread treat</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><b>Oreo behind the window</b>: Chocolate ball</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><b>Running</b>: 35 minutes (window 7)</span></p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-85989053345263195752021-12-14T08:52:00.006+01:002021-12-14T08:52:53.676+01:00Advent posting - Day 12 - Homemade pizza<p> Do you ever bake your own pizzas? We do and they can get incredibly creative (or weird). It's a great way to take care of sad vegetables and other ingredients lingering in the fridge, but it is also a great way to experiment and test new flavour combinations. </p><p>Here is the recommended procedure:</p><p><b>Step 1</b>- Google fancy pizza restaurants and select one or two combinations that you would like to try.</p><p><b>Step 2</b>- Choose a safe pizza combination from your repertoire, just in case...</p><p><b>Step 3</b>- Make your own dough or buy fresh dough (in Sweden we can even buy fresh sourdough for pizza).</p><p><b>Step 4</b>- Put on your chef's hat, turn on the radio, and get to it. Chop all ingredients first and organize by pizza, to make the pizza assembling faster. Make one pizza at a time and eat it as soon as it gets out of the oven. </p><p><b>Step 5</b>- Eat and enjoy your pizza party!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-1APEA5Jp4Yak3K3MXJJEXjPKBn1j9cCiIALG7i1kPxwPbHFToVsMGJPysAf5PaInFX0nK3FBVhLXybYFPlGdzNdos-WT2CbND9uvTb4gXzxJ2xkRXJVVYMY0W5uGzvxZzQpiVVfHU1S84iKmGQqbqoHuFLD44qSKPVE3GcafHhtBYgNMGyl7HvGo=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj-1APEA5Jp4Yak3K3MXJJEXjPKBn1j9cCiIALG7i1kPxwPbHFToVsMGJPysAf5PaInFX0nK3FBVhLXybYFPlGdzNdos-WT2CbND9uvTb4gXzxJ2xkRXJVVYMY0W5uGzvxZzQpiVVfHU1S84iKmGQqbqoHuFLD44qSKPVE3GcafHhtBYgNMGyl7HvGo=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the left, the safe pizza with fresh mozzarella, onion, mushrooms, and rocket.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">On the right, experimenting with apple, goat's cheese, and walnuts. Delicious!</div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-61830611292728947352021-12-14T08:27:00.005+01:002021-12-14T08:27:56.866+01:00Advent posting - Day 11 - The forest<p>My training program said double runs today and I sneaked quietly out of bed to run the first one. The sky was waking up and I felt small among the giant trees. The forest was quiet, white, and beautiful. And it was all mine. Most days I leave the broad paths, popular among fellow runners and hikers, preferring the tiny trails between the trees, streams, and the contrast of the hard roots against the soft moss. Not this morning. This morning I circled the lake, half-frozen, quiet and peaceful. </p><p>By 9:30 I was back at home ready for breakfast. Two hours later I would go out again and do my second session, choosing the tiny trails this time, because the broad ones were busy and the forest was no longer only mine. </p><p>A brilliant beginning of the weekend if you ask me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEineoctw5G3BFl4HgSWbw9zfr20cVy3k1RcTMrHHK95t2pCowS_T5qncEGUkwHIVGIXunCUWEPPVGCa5QCe1xtbQf3jdQCsGF3lqV4hWMW2s1eklqe7Yk2csUc3fpdd3dOi4mxrqC8zNY1rlGYJH3vjymdzzh_RnDmpRWM0v7aKLKzYTvcbbBq-pwvI=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEineoctw5G3BFl4HgSWbw9zfr20cVy3k1RcTMrHHK95t2pCowS_T5qncEGUkwHIVGIXunCUWEPPVGCa5QCe1xtbQf3jdQCsGF3lqV4hWMW2s1eklqe7Yk2csUc3fpdd3dOi4mxrqC8zNY1rlGYJH3vjymdzzh_RnDmpRWM0v7aKLKzYTvcbbBq-pwvI=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaEpSn6qH6kaRX_sFjWrys3xSaOvpHV62vu9dm7z-xYKwmv4BK8DMpLmC0Jhni8SvOQFxUNmagAlHvePESfY2G27Fw1uhydzwLClU8IQMvthMpBYuM_H2LqsUFxjowUVPcXqmI2VKNP_OH_HNQiXR88ckxDclKhEs9IBvcwH2afT_L86Tcu7d7rQff=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaEpSn6qH6kaRX_sFjWrys3xSaOvpHV62vu9dm7z-xYKwmv4BK8DMpLmC0Jhni8SvOQFxUNmagAlHvePESfY2G27Fw1uhydzwLClU8IQMvthMpBYuM_H2LqsUFxjowUVPcXqmI2VKNP_OH_HNQiXR88ckxDclKhEs9IBvcwH2afT_L86Tcu7d7rQff=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQHzhRPBIp_OZOffqVCtAw6Fi-0wEuX_VBlj9nWlig-RKqIthWKMsoQHv_McK2vHLUlUMJ3JMRezp-M4qZcbH0qdJZZcsAk4rRpB_pKDywoRvt9pQscxLkNT7SJU6DfNrg9d5H4AWZVK_lTtByZKKNJO4iCl-5V1GwkHfSVnQ8AY9QW2Y6CIHotfiS=s1024" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhQHzhRPBIp_OZOffqVCtAw6Fi-0wEuX_VBlj9nWlig-RKqIthWKMsoQHv_McK2vHLUlUMJ3JMRezp-M4qZcbH0qdJZZcsAk4rRpB_pKDywoRvt9pQscxLkNT7SJU6DfNrg9d5H4AWZVK_lTtByZKKNJO4iCl-5V1GwkHfSVnQ8AY9QW2Y6CIHotfiS=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Tea behind the window</b>: Post-party refresh (Party? What party?)</p><p><b>Orea behind the window</b>: choc haze bar</p><p><b>Running</b>: 97 + 23 minutes (Window 22)</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-88420649475115252812021-12-10T17:42:00.002+01:002021-12-10T18:47:07.546+01:00Advent posting - Day 10 - Nobel Day<p> Today is an important day for science (and not only)! Today the nominees of the Nobel prize, nominated in the first week of October, get to finally receive their awards from the Swedish king. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCueVL0cyYUB2HSyBPjSvtitURPvZuh6jxyIA8EO7MY4M0byTlVnq1R8D5o120aUlezljuxXPhN5aLC8glckKmWB5ykDkCjiAROj50iN_kVgRs9MWBrNFqu_VHdXK6O7GyWmPbgD8iDxo/s1200/d10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCueVL0cyYUB2HSyBPjSvtitURPvZuh6jxyIA8EO7MY4M0byTlVnq1R8D5o120aUlezljuxXPhN5aLC8glckKmWB5ykDkCjiAROj50iN_kVgRs9MWBrNFqu_VHdXK6O7GyWmPbgD8iDxo/s320/d10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo from the internet</div><br /><p></p><p>There's a live sending from the Nobel banquet and we usually watch it here at home. The show is usually quite good with bits of information about the nominated subjects, the nominees, the food, the speeches, etc. It is great fun to see people who a few months ago were just completely regular scientists or spouses to them (what is regular anyway, but you know what I mean), walking to the banquet arm in arm with the prince or the princess of Sweden. </p><p>There's something great about that contrast. Something hopeful as well. As in if you excel at what you do, one day you too can be rewarded. Of course, very few people are awarded the Nobel prize, but it's still inspiring to see the event. </p><p>This year there's no big banquet and the awardees received their prizes at their own universities. A little bit boring to miss the chance of sitting next to and chatting to Royalty, but better than not receiving any prize. </p>So far I have never been invited, so all the photos are from the internet. I write so far to leave the option open, but I'm not sure it will ever happen. I do have a deal with a friend, who is an outstanding scientist, that if he ever gets awarded he has to take me to the banquet :) <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM6FU-BILZ7_OfZwv3C9k7cXNI1vhOY9DMM9qjuADRDT4BQu67S4yAQOiQR8YNw7Mfw8ms1CQ0BTLhoNwWHcLqiydZb4QzLTDnTqlFX3dzwO6iN_PsZf5GlHDlNUIDwejHUVMATWp3CM/s330/d10a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="153" data-original-width="330" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjM6FU-BILZ7_OfZwv3C9k7cXNI1vhOY9DMM9qjuADRDT4BQu67S4yAQOiQR8YNw7Mfw8ms1CQ0BTLhoNwWHcLqiydZb4QzLTDnTqlFX3dzwO6iN_PsZf5GlHDlNUIDwejHUVMATWp3CM/w400-h185/d10a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The Blue hall where the banquet is held every year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo from the internet.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OsWTjyvRpgpLSY6ur-AbvBaaN6loDpeAluQISPMPpeRFbS44GxU39jE2rRhpq0OwYIoJYrGIMXm9SgSVp-WTP5KafGam-iQrV4SO_f8AyHHBXwnuHUbTg2bKDgD7KXEBzLKiaVeLS2E/s275/d10b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OsWTjyvRpgpLSY6ur-AbvBaaN6loDpeAluQISPMPpeRFbS44GxU39jE2rRhpq0OwYIoJYrGIMXm9SgSVp-WTP5KafGam-iQrV4SO_f8AyHHBXwnuHUbTg2bKDgD7KXEBzLKiaVeLS2E/w400-h266/d10b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The table is set and ready to receive all the guests.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Photo from the internet.</div><br /><p><b>Tea behind the window</b>: Festive Spice</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window</b>: Chocolate Hazelnut ball</p><p><b>Running</b>: 25 minutes (window 5)</p></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-68283821726994939602021-12-09T18:47:00.000+01:002021-12-09T18:47:02.944+01:00Advent posting - day 9 - Work enviroment<p> Work takes up a lot of time of our lives (at least of mine) and work environment questions are, therefore, quite important. I was recently chosen as work environment representative for my institution and although it was a bit scary at first and I must confess that I'm kind of enjoying it now. </p><p>I get to go everywhere and stick my nose in everyone's workspaces. The goal is to point out things that can be improved, make sure laws and recommendations are followed, and even listen to people's problems. However, at the same time, I get to see how other people work and carry those ideas to my very own "regular" work. It's not always easy, as there are a lot of laws to be followed when it comes to chemicals and all things safety related to that, but I do learn a lot as well. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaaiAYNAwgLx870wNmzVVGFDAiDMsKitgBCLIHUTlLstbVc-RZTcE06D_a12nejS4dfTbVAA2WpCDhEXRy2Lnui-1ooGGfq0hWTHQWoWXWBApfKjSg9k5n5PjSceSIsRUPZjM0auduKU/s1024/d9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSaaiAYNAwgLx870wNmzVVGFDAiDMsKitgBCLIHUTlLstbVc-RZTcE06D_a12nejS4dfTbVAA2WpCDhEXRy2Lnui-1ooGGfq0hWTHQWoWXWBApfKjSg9k5n5PjSceSIsRUPZjM0auduKU/w400-h300/d9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The start materials and the labels are ready for the production of hand sanitiser.</div><br />Today I did a kind of inspection in my own department, which was quite weird at first but interesting afterwards, as I could see things with different eyes for the first time. <p></p><p>At some point, I was reminded that once upon a time, in the very early days of the pandemic, we couldn't buy hand sanitiser because it was constantly out of stock. A few people at work, willing to help and to do something useful, managed to create a small production line of hand sanitiser and sent it to where was needed then, I think some went to the nearest hospital and some to elderly houses nearby.</p><p>It felt good to be able to help and to show the world that chemistry is a very useful and important part of our lives. </p><p> </p><p>Tea behind the window: Spooky Spice</p><p>Oreo behind the window: Hazelnut candy bar</p><p>Running: 80 minutes (window 16)</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-59860234128337246612021-12-09T18:31:00.002+01:002021-12-09T18:31:10.752+01:00Advent posting - Day 8 - A pandemic year<p>We have all been affected by the global pandemic of you-know-what and no matter where we live or what we do, our lives have changed forever. </p><p>A lot has been written about Sweden, most of it very exaggerated, like if we have all been partying in crowds like there is no tomorrow. We haven't, believe me. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEs1qGzWr8orVxomXzRwiAPcT3wJDkUP6sZsu3p4l72q9Wgtpsb_xAEP0QHICr53-wdEll_2UEM-gWXfGr6kQbgtDAVGU-D7xc2YVMxQDl_8F5OX1LiBaFwd8rkLar5dNbFZtv_3Kibog/s1024/d8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEs1qGzWr8orVxomXzRwiAPcT3wJDkUP6sZsu3p4l72q9Wgtpsb_xAEP0QHICr53-wdEll_2UEM-gWXfGr6kQbgtDAVGU-D7xc2YVMxQDl_8F5OX1LiBaFwd8rkLar5dNbFZtv_3Kibog/w300-h400/d8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Me working from home and finding the optimal background for an important presentation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Glamourous hein?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I and my husband were working from home from March 2020 until November this year. In that whole period, he went to his office less than a handful of times, while I went to work once a week because there's a small part of my work that can't be done remotely. I thought it worked quite well and it does now as well when I'm allowed to work from home two days a week.<p></p><p>What else did we do during that time, considering that travelling was discouraged and meeting other people was not always a good idea? </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ggFAcy4hSSROnZup8agTne-l_ezJv3UFouBAyblOEjbybe7vSHvp_0UShYniJDmpegKuF3MIHeeLiRqNHkLqaLzzVtqnAY3Wu48W3CABIHOuVGnd4tTzNpqozmev6aptEYR-nE5phzg/s1024/d8b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ggFAcy4hSSROnZup8agTne-l_ezJv3UFouBAyblOEjbybe7vSHvp_0UShYniJDmpegKuF3MIHeeLiRqNHkLqaLzzVtqnAY3Wu48W3CABIHOuVGnd4tTzNpqozmev6aptEYR-nE5phzg/w400-h300/d8b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We baked bread like everyone else did. It was actually quite fun!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNHO6wbHrbQs5Zz47WaFAw3vTzb9NML-vzi9nK-D8FLvo4MkABuN9Kax58wU7qe9l7tVHgw2XsTX1zg-9-sCcwC2_2zFPKxXeMUtsKxuYrsHWohWlXcfg0ZSjV_oIh0FTlkxBem18BbI/s1024/d8d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNHO6wbHrbQs5Zz47WaFAw3vTzb9NML-vzi9nK-D8FLvo4MkABuN9Kax58wU7qe9l7tVHgw2XsTX1zg-9-sCcwC2_2zFPKxXeMUtsKxuYrsHWohWlXcfg0ZSjV_oIh0FTlkxBem18BbI/w300-h400/d8d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In the summer we made ice cream instead! Blueberries (from the forest) and cookies ice cream.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5wjYTxMj_kMqfKyw6XgM0DPh_mXdvbbTBkujfCM0-hn8Oyahc4otfVvNCRJJRRswT-W4A8O7EjaS10rLQJ-Uj8QNj4VwvpGZhHYuEYaF_qxPgx5HFShWCdcqlAQft7JkE1fM8h_pyFk/s1024/d8c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ5wjYTxMj_kMqfKyw6XgM0DPh_mXdvbbTBkujfCM0-hn8Oyahc4otfVvNCRJJRRswT-W4A8O7EjaS10rLQJ-Uj8QNj4VwvpGZhHYuEYaF_qxPgx5HFShWCdcqlAQft7JkE1fM8h_pyFk/w400-h300/d8c.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We hiked to new places and enjoyed the Swedish forest. This awesome place in the picture is one of my favourite lakes to have a cup of tea and a sandwich and it's only a 30-minute hike from home. Of course, now is no longer new and we go there quite often. </div></div><p></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWAXRLcXaY46WI10WAdLqr24f51xxXZShpshab1ZqfZsmmJh-NJKvf0t0gaBLUUZ4gzXVXlYoOwBWYxxBeWPI1cbf_R5kVpoeRE01sqeZj79K3V3taw6OzSx3oJ-a5PdLe5rpvHkziag/s1024/d8e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWWAXRLcXaY46WI10WAdLqr24f51xxXZShpshab1ZqfZsmmJh-NJKvf0t0gaBLUUZ4gzXVXlYoOwBWYxxBeWPI1cbf_R5kVpoeRE01sqeZj79K3V3taw6OzSx3oJ-a5PdLe5rpvHkziag/w400-h300/d8e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">When we couldn't go to restaurants we opened our own restaurant and celebrated family birthdays in our patio, where was safer to meet. We even had printed menus!</div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNKIYo-WeL0f3L51wCGQp3fDdSwe8mCw_2-Zy1UdNvw-9Y_24pJ7979S-XOpZZbkFzcHMGX1EzAppODlhd6WEcWwwKTtcDhyphenhyphen3z3tAqxx23OdsyEJ5p4xAw_UcfZYKOzgi8oPme9S52kE/s667/d8k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="497" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNKIYo-WeL0f3L51wCGQp3fDdSwe8mCw_2-Zy1UdNvw-9Y_24pJ7979S-XOpZZbkFzcHMGX1EzAppODlhd6WEcWwwKTtcDhyphenhyphen3z3tAqxx23OdsyEJ5p4xAw_UcfZYKOzgi8oPme9S52kE/w298-h400/d8k.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I ran my very first marathon with the support of the hubby, who ran more than half with me, and family members who had extra bottles of drinks. It was supposed to be the Lisbon marathon, but it became a virtual race instead. Not as fun but still cool to have done it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkrYTMPPBM_ylFt5dDCoKvK1deQWjj9-XjtS8J2MxxkhQSW7Ft9lM_Kn7S3BPZOL6CLPUwkB3xn5D3g7rDjkuwhkXUj6OcK4I0k8ibSvnIe_RmjVHglt1ISJ7V2lyrpdibZ1WwQO3gWE/s1024/d8j.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkrYTMPPBM_ylFt5dDCoKvK1deQWjj9-XjtS8J2MxxkhQSW7Ft9lM_Kn7S3BPZOL6CLPUwkB3xn5D3g7rDjkuwhkXUj6OcK4I0k8ibSvnIe_RmjVHglt1ISJ7V2lyrpdibZ1WwQO3gWE/w400-h400/d8j.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We cycled and explored our own coast here around Gothenburg. </div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOykf7AV76Zd1ET50letQloXQCFV57CvWUi5nOVOXJIl_OpNhgiCwckq4g7i1zw39dTv0QMSi8db_LedjpryvS-Z934OTC5Le5r7hQWhtXa5IkYvvN8zFuav8ZfP4a7tp9BAx_fn7Z6vw/s1024/d8a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOykf7AV76Zd1ET50letQloXQCFV57CvWUi5nOVOXJIl_OpNhgiCwckq4g7i1zw39dTv0QMSi8db_LedjpryvS-Z934OTC5Le5r7hQWhtXa5IkYvvN8zFuav8ZfP4a7tp9BAx_fn7Z6vw/w400-h300/d8a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And most of all, we enjoyed some time on our patio! Especially the sunny days, perfect for an after-work drink or a cup of tea during a work break. Luxury!</div></div><div><br /></div><br /><div><b>Tea behind the window</b>: Happy Holiday</div><div><b>Oreo behind the window:</b> Hazelnut candy bar</div><div><b>Running</b>: 50 minutes (window 10)</div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-79063594585521760212021-12-07T19:06:00.000+01:002021-12-07T19:06:07.176+01:00Advent posting - Day 7 - Gardening<p> When the days are long and bright we enjoy a bit of gardening on our small patio. We don't have so much space but we have learned that one can actually get a lot in just a small gardening box. And it is a lot of fun!</p><p>We started last year, so we are still pure beginners but have already learned a lot. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWltgOFDOa7x4Zeb2FXRAZZv9Qhas43Q1MLu0lP1oZnR00CjzuP5qQ0qVBYmkkUzg98ycqsImuSGaP8Ai7JfHMi0UhIez0HMFo9KRMn6JSj1_QuDwdiab2d6Qvjno5YS9zr666PVYDII/s1024/d7d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWltgOFDOa7x4Zeb2FXRAZZv9Qhas43Q1MLu0lP1oZnR00CjzuP5qQ0qVBYmkkUzg98ycqsImuSGaP8Ai7JfHMi0UhIez0HMFo9KRMn6JSj1_QuDwdiab2d6Qvjno5YS9zr666PVYDII/w400-h300/d7d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Lesson n. 1: do not overplant! </div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;">The plants are very small at first, but they do grow a lot!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WtXMZNKFU-J2uXPFd3KFrKpwrsr4I2_TC7pQNkAHXwPquBwDu22PkJvgwVA-OF7xmCJpoCs2czijYUjRbVYKbRnYVH_T48S8qB40oldeitNuyYCucfkTg_01EW-IfsvdpZ14b6iZYC4/s1024/d7f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4WtXMZNKFU-J2uXPFd3KFrKpwrsr4I2_TC7pQNkAHXwPquBwDu22PkJvgwVA-OF7xmCJpoCs2czijYUjRbVYKbRnYVH_T48S8qB40oldeitNuyYCucfkTg_01EW-IfsvdpZ14b6iZYC4/s320/d7f.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our tomatoes and cucumbers.</div><p></p><p>We started with zucchinis, tomatoes, cucumbers, chilies, raspberries, and blackberries. Everything worked out well, especially the zucchinis that became giant! The tomatoes were also very flavourful!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tEo9YvV03a-a-2VWuyTtmoGzEp5y-ykgnWVUHfqubD9YB7CY7FNxFQ_vxt69GK2w2g0ZGNW11S2UW6wfaPlbkUjGYip2vH4wgUc6ZZBVEPBijESZmFMmF4RpdLLHKHs1NdlN0pBMwlM/s1024/d7e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4tEo9YvV03a-a-2VWuyTtmoGzEp5y-ykgnWVUHfqubD9YB7CY7FNxFQ_vxt69GK2w2g0ZGNW11S2UW6wfaPlbkUjGYip2vH4wgUc6ZZBVEPBijESZmFMmF4RpdLLHKHs1NdlN0pBMwlM/w300-h400/d7e.jpg" width="300" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBU2x_9dZmsuuzD51nWgUD3EmyEdrZ0xPSyDuDZx_-vMhf5LJrHyaMAcAr9-Ol5WnOfHWuLU6tzumbmu5t5y7IUfu6-wvmT7JSJIFW0-M478MoMFjWo1ab9b6Mb2PCnQB2ukbGm05Tcs/s1024/d7c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBU2x_9dZmsuuzD51nWgUD3EmyEdrZ0xPSyDuDZx_-vMhf5LJrHyaMAcAr9-Ol5WnOfHWuLU6tzumbmu5t5y7IUfu6-wvmT7JSJIFW0-M478MoMFjWo1ab9b6Mb2PCnQB2ukbGm05Tcs/w300-h400/d7c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><br /><p></p><p>The berries "died" during the winter and we almost threw away the plants, but spring came and the raspberry plant started to sprout again :) </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKDi_Jll-VBPeIIFal65HJmac_-ZQw44Or8fE_ibnKQUuuZAKAkG2eg7wFnZYV_G_jOaUAOwWXZ5O3SHCZHaMmJm35xsT6ytyuWbxnvJVtbwHmwU01ieAuomxcEkaEBP11B6SgJGYQh0/s1024/d7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKDi_Jll-VBPeIIFal65HJmac_-ZQw44Or8fE_ibnKQUuuZAKAkG2eg7wFnZYV_G_jOaUAOwWXZ5O3SHCZHaMmJm35xsT6ytyuWbxnvJVtbwHmwU01ieAuomxcEkaEBP11B6SgJGYQh0/w300-h400/d7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtjjT2K9AX8ifsyLAzOsZhVPBangiM4Mpy8sPmpyHxBBwP-LLXFVDi0UcfyvBCayNKsKRqAmZs1xc2rp5aTOdWWxJt7wZftRl5zahpDPR3Bo36BC_L6td9Nk8SGgMnqjK4UCBWq_zMos/s1024/d7a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNtjjT2K9AX8ifsyLAzOsZhVPBangiM4Mpy8sPmpyHxBBwP-LLXFVDi0UcfyvBCayNKsKRqAmZs1xc2rp5aTOdWWxJt7wZftRl5zahpDPR3Bo36BC_L6td9Nk8SGgMnqjK4UCBWq_zMos/w400-h300/d7a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>We usually complete our berry stock by picking blueberries in the forest. We can really get as many as we want, as we live very close to the forest.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHrrgRvaWA0cDDVAvfnxii2KZxZ55W_WrU_2LzA68PnyjcWBuumYwhz_SHU7xWavkqO-vEsxm1KM5Xz8TGLh0XiU7OmI7PSEZvVNRycnBvZDmbZwUqafzxzobNQFrmNFEX_zqrOd2ajY/s1024/d7b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaHrrgRvaWA0cDDVAvfnxii2KZxZ55W_WrU_2LzA68PnyjcWBuumYwhz_SHU7xWavkqO-vEsxm1KM5Xz8TGLh0XiU7OmI7PSEZvVNRycnBvZDmbZwUqafzxzobNQFrmNFEX_zqrOd2ajY/w400-h300/d7b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br />I grew up with a big garden and fresh vegetables were a part of my summers, and I'm very glad for being able to have a small garden. It is not only fun but extra delicious! The taste of a freshly picked juicy tomato is unique and I want to plant those every year! <div><br /></div><div><div>This year's success was the small bell peppers, which grew really well in vases and were quite tasty. I will also continue with the chilies and cucumbers. I tried spring onions, but they didn't really work. </div><div><br /></div><div>Is there anything else I should try to grow next year?</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>Tea behind the window</b>: White wonderland</div><div><b>Oreo behind the window</b>: Hazelnut candy bar</div><div><b>Running</b>: 30 + 75 minutes (window 21)</div></div><div> <p></p></div></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-32740280593184634572021-12-07T12:24:00.000+01:002021-12-07T12:24:03.800+01:00Advent blogging - day 6 - Rasmus, the cat<p>Rasmus is the neighbourhood's cat. He is the king, this is his kingdom and we are his servants. He walks around in his slow rhythm but imposing attitude. He stops and charms everyone he meets in his way so that he gets petted. When rubbing himself on human legs doesn't work, he lays down, showing his belly and stretching his paw in an irresistible way, so that even the coldest creature will stop and look at him. And pet him, hopefully.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnVHt4vqM9Gfi-iyvdBdC7Ca2lJRJjJ4E9rCWtEUu_5_1c4_c34ZsMfJjcuMsMVk7A1uxXTogHRkDUPnjxbNtceNqQXpbzerLVPEEfMfVfpS0HJ6E_TAyaZG-OAPZWcBmA1n7WYtSLBY/s1024/d6f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlnVHt4vqM9Gfi-iyvdBdC7Ca2lJRJjJ4E9rCWtEUu_5_1c4_c34ZsMfJjcuMsMVk7A1uxXTogHRkDUPnjxbNtceNqQXpbzerLVPEEfMfVfpS0HJ6E_TAyaZG-OAPZWcBmA1n7WYtSLBY/w400-h300/d6f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Rasmus lives next door to us, but he loves to visit and take naps in our flat. He is a very fair king because he helps with some daily chores, in order to pay for his stay.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3F307ufqcffjjC-SwIwKYoMjFsSr0yJzpYvmnGpcxhSmIUE2EU1w-hgtVZE3aehIM40L60GXepsYEUz4zeeDokrcbth51HljdToC73Ijqt_DlOQ0xJ4_qyJKdzoYsjOjv6qUZR8dj5k/s1024/d6a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc3F307ufqcffjjC-SwIwKYoMjFsSr0yJzpYvmnGpcxhSmIUE2EU1w-hgtVZE3aehIM40L60GXepsYEUz4zeeDokrcbth51HljdToC73Ijqt_DlOQ0xJ4_qyJKdzoYsjOjv6qUZR8dj5k/w400-h300/d6a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He helps turn the page when I read magazines. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYazfGuen8fz3ZH3cWwnk37iuCiM14uCqjZ3j5AJlJ0uzxox_E0vRz71XENWnwfB-rA1QbbsEYSRGvIfGbkDxSKZmwrYqjjlpaxoTwQL5llBLE0gjmznIoQC8Bo9lW3ETw-kluYSQEfYE/s1024/d6b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYazfGuen8fz3ZH3cWwnk37iuCiM14uCqjZ3j5AJlJ0uzxox_E0vRz71XENWnwfB-rA1QbbsEYSRGvIfGbkDxSKZmwrYqjjlpaxoTwQL5llBLE0gjmznIoQC8Bo9lW3ETw-kluYSQEfYE/w400-h300/d6b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He helps unbox deliveries (a cat classic).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDgOv7aCHe7zQQx-9I-uW0bknejWUiphYMRzaeTKSdoEOD3xBP3YjEXaw3Xg4Uimo0uuPTMvscdh74snQmFcpluJ3Wzyy8TW-LqFJMzGtdCNdi5DQsBS-u2cYxlE0DtQB9Ul6aYAyTzU/s1024/d6e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLDgOv7aCHe7zQQx-9I-uW0bknejWUiphYMRzaeTKSdoEOD3xBP3YjEXaw3Xg4Uimo0uuPTMvscdh74snQmFcpluJ3Wzyy8TW-LqFJMzGtdCNdi5DQsBS-u2cYxlE0DtQB9Ul6aYAyTzU/w400-h300/d6e.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He helps flat the pillows and levels the back of the sofa.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxcGAkxAmxSl2QAEIpjAMtuBOpAaBGT33btm6eWcwJizs_M0lPJfrVJa1_GCavHfDViMf4vlH5cakIJx1vp58C910W8Whw4IKAtK-fWy9720y_5A2kqWrA3zFuNpsM3H9Pu0D2sOL_O4/s1024/d6c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsxcGAkxAmxSl2QAEIpjAMtuBOpAaBGT33btm6eWcwJizs_M0lPJfrVJa1_GCavHfDViMf4vlH5cakIJx1vp58C910W8Whw4IKAtK-fWy9720y_5A2kqWrA3zFuNpsM3H9Pu0D2sOL_O4/w300-h400/d6c.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He helps untangle cables. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1D0WXWbGT3YmREfPWWxzoaJ8RyZFatDSxcPXHeZu8dqlJs1HYXNuIqyHbX8zvvokwH_eGJGkBeSJlMpSBsRIo6gkBlI6MByF8OXoSSvoxaDwqZjve-TLcxxRT_GssiL7hcxMX0J5Iwo/s1024/d6g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1D0WXWbGT3YmREfPWWxzoaJ8RyZFatDSxcPXHeZu8dqlJs1HYXNuIqyHbX8zvvokwH_eGJGkBeSJlMpSBsRIo6gkBlI6MByF8OXoSSvoxaDwqZjve-TLcxxRT_GssiL7hcxMX0J5Iwo/w300-h400/d6g.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On a good day, he might even help us with work. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once he clicked in a complex combination of keys that turned my screen upside down. That lead to a really funny and somewhat stressful 5 minutes, but we managed to make it right again. Through the screen settings, not the keyboard - that's limited to Rasmus.</div><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ5cEl6fSZ1VYO0q-TqvWaDLfQ_NHKzSxDISIr7cpnREUEPcyYtNl08x2Un5bmoFY1JEjhD9OJwMgVQ1h_kZIbBOA0F-mK1My5VVaX0DNAR1Xt7l0itwqVFRKLSsNBXjL8gNSb9g-ej8/s2016/d6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ5cEl6fSZ1VYO0q-TqvWaDLfQ_NHKzSxDISIr7cpnREUEPcyYtNl08x2Un5bmoFY1JEjhD9OJwMgVQ1h_kZIbBOA0F-mK1My5VVaX0DNAR1Xt7l0itwqVFRKLSsNBXjL8gNSb9g-ej8/w300-h400/d6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He helps me stretch and exercise. </div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLt645d0Tc5rk25lXEc5eZiJwGgCOPVmOty2QTKXzr2Z8LaEY6MGK4UMxSyefximjGnGkZoQE4z7LrXA6K8gQFcbMDIk8fq_pwJTkJBoi5RjFSgC3HqEQJrPV64nqMY8-2SPrcXD5yis0/s1024/d6d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLt645d0Tc5rk25lXEc5eZiJwGgCOPVmOty2QTKXzr2Z8LaEY6MGK4UMxSyefximjGnGkZoQE4z7LrXA6K8gQFcbMDIk8fq_pwJTkJBoi5RjFSgC3HqEQJrPV64nqMY8-2SPrcXD5yis0/w300-h400/d6d.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And best of all... he keeps us company!</div><div><br /></div><p>All in all, this is the perfect symbiosis! Rasmus loves the extra attention and we love having him around sometimes!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Tea behind the window: </b>Punchy Peppermint</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window:</b> hazelnut chocolate ball </p><p><b>Running:</b> Given that I ran for a lot of windows tomorrow, I took a rest day today, but I open window 13 - because I feel lucky that I can do such running adventures :)</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-50307561065090828672021-12-06T08:49:00.002+01:002021-12-06T08:49:39.219+01:00Advent blogging - day 5 - A Sunday's adventure<p> I spent my second advent Sunday doing the most challenging run of my life but also the most beautiful run of my life. </p><p>I joined a group of equally crazy people and went to one of the green areas just outside of the city, called Sandsjöbacka. The plan was to run the first part of the 60km race that we will do in January. What wasn't part of the plan was the amount of snow on the ground, that has fallen the whole week. We knew this 37 km would take longer than usual but we weren't counting on them taking almost 6 hours! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ_pGNXSMiEmO-M6MvSuoSTXv8Xc-xtNq4NX5sOcBToHcLwIEcW1Qyf22q7GBDPasYX3gAJJPabLUSQMSNtUWLBsxzjnbggOA3F-1phNt4UOEmLleXDHxWXNya3ZYhQcNio02rtf_m0I/s640/d5b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKJ_pGNXSMiEmO-M6MvSuoSTXv8Xc-xtNq4NX5sOcBToHcLwIEcW1Qyf22q7GBDPasYX3gAJJPabLUSQMSNtUWLBsxzjnbggOA3F-1phNt4UOEmLleXDHxWXNya3ZYhQcNio02rtf_m0I/w400-h400/d5b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Luckily I had loads of energy with me and I was even called "the pantry runner". I had a sandwich, 4 boiled potatoes, nuts, dried apricots, snickers, an energy bar, peanut M&Ms, blueberry drink, and sports drink. Not bad hein? I did get teased, but I also did save some of them who were running low on energy. Especially the blueberry drink was very much appreciated! <p></p><p>It was tough, I'm not gonna pretend it was not, but it was also so fun to share this with a group. We were all exhausted at the end and everything hurt, but we kept laughing until the very end. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v-SirEbnJO6-U9euAzq2gzwVQmnCP8ubnGsisaAaqK8DULbnQq2s_lkaa_2qC_K-Jd7s6mqHZb-UQgNwO-BhFXTAmRJQII3fInozgZdV-LcQJBp0SA_TuhXKUF0LmzSAUB3j2W1P5Nc/s640/d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_v-SirEbnJO6-U9euAzq2gzwVQmnCP8ubnGsisaAaqK8DULbnQq2s_lkaa_2qC_K-Jd7s6mqHZb-UQgNwO-BhFXTAmRJQII3fInozgZdV-LcQJBp0SA_TuhXKUF0LmzSAUB3j2W1P5Nc/w400-h400/d5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfi4xUbYLr9QFMFjz2GO3dWFfERUpB6nk2-sz9W7i4-dxFqRKkmnAU1z40Om_bLyvd8MEK_O_5pfqZsC4LwafX-xP6Ie-eR-ndN6cpSGBBj6o45TsHE5xStpP-TK_P9UwtUE59W-GP5b4/s640/d5+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfi4xUbYLr9QFMFjz2GO3dWFfERUpB6nk2-sz9W7i4-dxFqRKkmnAU1z40Om_bLyvd8MEK_O_5pfqZsC4LwafX-xP6Ie-eR-ndN6cpSGBBj6o45TsHE5xStpP-TK_P9UwtUE59W-GP5b4/w400-h400/d5+a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div>And then the landscape. I didn't know snowy postcards were photographed on Sandjsöbacka! That's exactly how it looked like... a postcard. I didn't take any pictures, because my phone dies easily in the cold, but I did film something and extract images from the videos (so they are a bit low quality). </div><p></p><p>Nothing beats being there of course, but you can hopefully still get an idea of what kind of Narnia land I was running in. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKaeNy-kk-wsFqNA2WDxo2vxCr-TLcpj3fQ6sXUMC-caRa1cPRkwnolav-na1CHQEJN5phcRqRaC-3lb4OZ1hvrnicwid3Ywevzm4IyCFr07htKydrXwNuvh2sZC18NC9vFxj8i1c5BU/s640/d55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKaeNy-kk-wsFqNA2WDxo2vxCr-TLcpj3fQ6sXUMC-caRa1cPRkwnolav-na1CHQEJN5phcRqRaC-3lb4OZ1hvrnicwid3Ywevzm4IyCFr07htKydrXwNuvh2sZC18NC9vFxj8i1c5BU/w400-h400/d55.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>Tea behind the window</b>: Lemongrass</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window</b>: hazelnut chocolate ball </p><p><b>Running</b>: 351 minutes (I could almost open all the windows, but I opened window 23)</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-26222358038237671602021-12-04T20:10:00.000+01:002021-12-04T20:10:07.915+01:00Advent blogging - day 4 - E as voltas?<p>Isn't it this blog called às voltas no mundo, something like around the world? So where have I been lately?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznpMcXBYsNSrwtyyQSLvcTEFwz8W2nr_R_IiTCqEaciIU5eswnAaBWiN7zIPNwwNgXP4L5JnoCsvpJiryYbWxTTMGp6h626iTlzaazn52t537SBOwe37L-l8VunauJT4EsHkWcpnwBT8/s2016/d4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgznpMcXBYsNSrwtyyQSLvcTEFwz8W2nr_R_IiTCqEaciIU5eswnAaBWiN7zIPNwwNgXP4L5JnoCsvpJiryYbWxTTMGp6h626iTlzaazn52t537SBOwe37L-l8VunauJT4EsHkWcpnwBT8/w400-h300/d4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Easy answer... nowhere! Probably as many of you. We went on a one-month trip to Indochina just before the pandemic started and after that, we have travelled very little and mostly in Sweden. The only time we were abroad was last summer when we finally managed to fly to Portugal and see my family. <p></p><p>Flying felt terrible. Not the actual flying, but being among crowds again, like in the airports. It was all worth it though, especially when I could finally hug my sister again. It was nice to be at home! We rented a house in the Douro valley and explored some new places (for me) there. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZ9SLZYNYICKc9_9M_TMQmYUdzf-27_nFv5XjerTviGBPZD9V66cnPm9Ou9s2EJomoJ6eklsHLOx8Kq92xs5wCMES41ejPjk_xvk5TmJ0TtD7ByMcYtkW9igwmxnmPCa6hFmYSw5eLDM/s2048/d4a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizZ9SLZYNYICKc9_9M_TMQmYUdzf-27_nFv5XjerTviGBPZD9V66cnPm9Ou9s2EJomoJ6eklsHLOx8Kq92xs5wCMES41ejPjk_xvk5TmJ0TtD7ByMcYtkW9igwmxnmPCa6hFmYSw5eLDM/w640-h480/d4a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>We ran among vinyards, we found new viewpoints, we picnicked at sunset and most important of all, we enjoyed each other's company. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iZTRyuuhoSBwIk2Nb4Uupytg9e9Xbr8sKOfK3pLU8eDd4TmUFIORlfiaJHTqxwCKv8EDQQuNln20ltFezfshDpht2oJrwPLp966aXZOkXPSG4BHDrj4FWLKRN2lmDVIeB4HFhhEhPbU/s2016/d4c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iZTRyuuhoSBwIk2Nb4Uupytg9e9Xbr8sKOfK3pLU8eDd4TmUFIORlfiaJHTqxwCKv8EDQQuNln20ltFezfshDpht2oJrwPLp966aXZOkXPSG4BHDrj4FWLKRN2lmDVIeB4HFhhEhPbU/w640-h480/d4c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWRGn8sv-JdpdtVuFohUlFwqWTBh3FWgy1X2Q1LsqUHOV26mPTH0xnzhdRkUW-piewScsgv9FYFmd7oL5HwXZyTPIyv-WTBiWrDyNu-_swVi6BidHPHVf6Qi25L-eeuOZaEVFKcHls_w/s2016/d4b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWRGn8sv-JdpdtVuFohUlFwqWTBh3FWgy1X2Q1LsqUHOV26mPTH0xnzhdRkUW-piewScsgv9FYFmd7oL5HwXZyTPIyv-WTBiWrDyNu-_swVi6BidHPHVf6Qi25L-eeuOZaEVFKcHls_w/w480-h640/d4b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Douro river and its surroundings is a special place. The river is surrounded by mountains, which are covered by vineyards and charming stony houses. There are trails to be walked, but also small roads to be driven. If you have never been there I highly recommend it, because no picture I show here will ever be able to show what it really is like there.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMv3hcRR_LBI8hcbUMk6B11vba5EF40gLDM3Dp9Of_1YNIHDJ6V7NnBV02WHg9mEdRNoftyBLELIgn6X5H9QhMEM6G05m3aYbSX73oXV6pY8b7gS9rHKvSZ2ZHbmbxy7Ncrm_9WCAYZ0/s2016/d4e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDMv3hcRR_LBI8hcbUMk6B11vba5EF40gLDM3Dp9Of_1YNIHDJ6V7NnBV02WHg9mEdRNoftyBLELIgn6X5H9QhMEM6G05m3aYbSX73oXV6pY8b7gS9rHKvSZ2ZHbmbxy7Ncrm_9WCAYZ0/w640-h480/d4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><b>Tea behind the window: </b>ghost green</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window: </b>chocolate hazelnut candy bar </p><p><b>Running:</b> 30 minutes (window 6)</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-79536747073023059442021-12-03T16:42:00.001+01:002021-12-03T16:42:16.543+01:00Advent posting - day 3 - Winter wonderland<p>Winter will always be a special season for me, no matter how many years I'll live in Sweden. When the first snow falls it's special and it will always be. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnDkpFmDEhy5obbQ04KYGfP-mBwotQ4-ccOP3QVwITCMYjuwXC1qsA1zNznppsTcf9S0tpiRz3xgxgt8TBE0LSMHWQ6qICXhoo9dfc8GJ6SXvVUBoG0fxypePrB9d4QFKMTSf5OlV6Vo/s2016/d3+v.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnDkpFmDEhy5obbQ04KYGfP-mBwotQ4-ccOP3QVwITCMYjuwXC1qsA1zNznppsTcf9S0tpiRz3xgxgt8TBE0LSMHWQ6qICXhoo9dfc8GJ6SXvVUBoG0fxypePrB9d4QFKMTSf5OlV6Vo/w400-h300/d3+v.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>This year we got the first snow at the end of November and we still have loads of it. Snow this early in the winter is actually not that common in Gothenburg. We are more used to rain and wind storms. The temperatures have also been below zero, but not too much, which means that the snow is still snow and not ice - important detail to walk and run outdoors. <p></p><p>When I work from home (2 days a week), I usually take a morning walk and go down to the lake. Sometimes I'm lucky enough to catch the sun rising and it's always beautiful. It is not less beautiful to run through the forest along the lake at lunchtime, when the light hits the snow and it gets so bright my eyes hurt. </p><p>It's easy to get stuck at home and complain about the darkness of winter when it's cold outside, but the truth is, it all gets better, easier, and more joyful when we spend time outside. Good clothes in the right amount make it possible to be outdoors. </p><p>Winter is to be enjoyed, not survived. </p><p>Look at these pictures I've been taking this week. Isn't it beautiful?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiijsaX8Cp_pPUsS9eW6GlzYVrechZT8s7HXX-xKNUcynfDqXXtlCARHBVCKTtn4lavK5MwI34IiCFucNZ-lGUo727DTRdDmUiD8ghQdyHhJGXz1uHMO54zt0eYjGvpoGjky4C4apcQX8/s1024/d3+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiijsaX8Cp_pPUsS9eW6GlzYVrechZT8s7HXX-xKNUcynfDqXXtlCARHBVCKTtn4lavK5MwI34IiCFucNZ-lGUo727DTRdDmUiD8ghQdyHhJGXz1uHMO54zt0eYjGvpoGjky4C4apcQX8/w640-h480/d3+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBXbocx8MmjyfhEr1_dmBqfHYZ1iG_pUnvrzZtibrLA5IfEKmiBNNFbIRWcgqeyiBLY-hCZu3EB_EmcSS24AF8n5b0B-m4XCvbhaDxbQw0AyaFIpUaTBrPBWt4c6sH2ai6UX29GOiAhQ/s1024/d3+a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBXbocx8MmjyfhEr1_dmBqfHYZ1iG_pUnvrzZtibrLA5IfEKmiBNNFbIRWcgqeyiBLY-hCZu3EB_EmcSS24AF8n5b0B-m4XCvbhaDxbQw0AyaFIpUaTBrPBWt4c6sH2ai6UX29GOiAhQ/w640-h480/d3+a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJ6J-sskYxycdVizwJ8xGSguYqIrogj_O8LCY58jh3wrXsaHBsdKhd-4Y0__dElqk_iZponw28nGpOf4bHy_qFpVC1Cr8novXwdHZ2_InAB5njGZBFRRByJFHAFO1sTaiFT9_Ux1ppSs/s1024/d3+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJ6J-sskYxycdVizwJ8xGSguYqIrogj_O8LCY58jh3wrXsaHBsdKhd-4Y0__dElqk_iZponw28nGpOf4bHy_qFpVC1Cr8novXwdHZ2_InAB5njGZBFRRByJFHAFO1sTaiFT9_Ux1ppSs/w480-h640/d3+b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVdogFRqnxAJad5QurIWglJl0MR3BUsWzslhCCx-6XU3ZKTUp5kECcI60r_U7Ijni5uzbwCm-McHJSaZWZ3SennvBSmNitW64esdEHU4KkCXlmnfM8BrBgQ8MenfdJEOSCUYLLrveu0s/s1024/d3+c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVdogFRqnxAJad5QurIWglJl0MR3BUsWzslhCCx-6XU3ZKTUp5kECcI60r_U7Ijni5uzbwCm-McHJSaZWZ3SennvBSmNitW64esdEHU4KkCXlmnfM8BrBgQ8MenfdJEOSCUYLLrveu0s/w640-h480/d3+c.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><b>Tea behind the window:</b> chai charge</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window:</b> chocolate hazelnut candy bar</p><p><b>Running:</b> 40 minutes (window 8)</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-22437261676542275742021-12-02T18:48:00.004+01:002021-12-02T18:48:58.176+01:00Advent posting - day 2 - Running, always the running<p>If you have read me before is not surprising for you that running is the theme of my second post. I have always tried not to post too much about running here, but it is difficult when it's my biggest hobby and the activity where I spent most time after working and sleeping. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFRT2PJu29DQTO6s1bx7kKduZfjfnrKpygejHK7zzrqLZA5-y9IFLwMLUHBV0cdqxFnCTU8SXj1SwILqf949JQzskYSouoMo8unbxwgTio7HCCcev3S-wxwjaLBtaQ3XyLy6rsb5nmuM/s1024/n2+m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpFRT2PJu29DQTO6s1bx7kKduZfjfnrKpygejHK7zzrqLZA5-y9IFLwMLUHBV0cdqxFnCTU8SXj1SwILqf949JQzskYSouoMo8unbxwgTio7HCCcev3S-wxwjaLBtaQ3XyLy6rsb5nmuM/w400-h400/n2+m.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>And in what crazy adventures have I been involved lately? Or which ones am I planning?</p><p>I have recently discovered the wonders of ultra running (anything longer than a marathon) and I've been slowly exploring that world. It sounds tough at first, but it's actually a lot more fun than training for shorter distances. The longer you run the slower you do it, to the point of dropping all performance ambitions behind and focusing much more on the actual experience, contact with nature, and pure joy. Training slower allows you to look at the treetops, the sunshine, the lakes and all things beautiful. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aUiKFStKaPrgcViuyUPqJT28BjCY9Jsn95wWS3FERsjy5XMVrfknp0DEH7N08fkf5mC9Q2UGwHtehOU2eRGcJr6hHHGEdiIivp12DTHtxDv0P9kjRMLVuxzFwm-b6NUIuHhKDV6-y6s/s1024/n+2+n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_aUiKFStKaPrgcViuyUPqJT28BjCY9Jsn95wWS3FERsjy5XMVrfknp0DEH7N08fkf5mC9Q2UGwHtehOU2eRGcJr6hHHGEdiIivp12DTHtxDv0P9kjRMLVuxzFwm-b6NUIuHhKDV6-y6s/w400-h300/n+2+n.jpg" title="How nice is this?" width="400" /></a></div><p>I have also left the asphalt behind and I now spend most of my time in forest trails. When I say trails, I mean tiny narrow paths among bushes, trees and full of mud :) </p><p>To learn more about ultra running I signed up for a program called 10 månader mot 10 mil (in Swedish), which means 10 months to 100 km. The coaches are a cool gang with a lot of experience and the goal is to run a 90 km race in August. I've started the training in October and so far I'm enjoying it a lot. It's not only about running, it's about having a strong body and mind, that can endure endless hours of moving forward. I love their motto as well: ultra running is just like life, there are no limits for what's possible. </p><p>So, this is what has been stealing most of my time from blogging. </p><p>Now you know :)</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycbWca4bNkFvzcze3FiK_GUlmSd7u0XCwEsb1Fhhlx4GCRPLwFq0JqnXQkI2oPRYvGO8k0waVCEeaoJOBjS9gA4CC_QcJ_fZMEQECto_cBib0ejYPd6FXhcic-xJkDWPXR6ybn-ArS2w/s2016/n+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycbWca4bNkFvzcze3FiK_GUlmSd7u0XCwEsb1Fhhlx4GCRPLwFq0JqnXQkI2oPRYvGO8k0waVCEeaoJOBjS9gA4CC_QcJ_fZMEQECto_cBib0ejYPd6FXhcic-xJkDWPXR6ybn-ArS2w/w400-h300/n+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><p>Tea behind the window: super star anise</p><p>Oreo behind the window: blue hazelnut</p><p>Running: 75 minutes (window 15)</p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-39347768911801991722021-12-01T20:45:00.003+01:002021-12-01T20:45:44.526+01:00Advent posting - day 1<p> December 1st</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqp45ppjew0l2WHgJGThTpnDuJBQRV61aPu0_K3wRLEG_ynrx0hxNqIjTNlaceJzDJV2cNbQlLwBxZMIC8_zaZ8DmIuKdIPVWaHyo93Wkyw1p0Qhv82i48cCJz0i5EgwLP18o0GbzOec/s2016/n1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqp45ppjew0l2WHgJGThTpnDuJBQRV61aPu0_K3wRLEG_ynrx0hxNqIjTNlaceJzDJV2cNbQlLwBxZMIC8_zaZ8DmIuKdIPVWaHyo93Wkyw1p0Qhv82i48cCJz0i5EgwLP18o0GbzOec/w400-h300/n1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Christmas month has started. The month of advent and all the fun calendars. One of my favorite months since ever, probably because it has always started with a party (my birthday) and finished with a party. And parties bring people together. They bring laughter and joy. I like those things.</p><p>There were no advent calendars in Portugal during my childhood but I did gladly adopt the tradition when I moved to Sweden. I usually have a tea and a chocolate calendar. The latter is Oreo this year.</p><p>Of course, I’m also doing a running calendar, in a random order to avoid injuries (not 1 to 24). Today I respected the calendar and ran 5 minutes (every unit equals 5 minutes in my advent running calendar). </p><p>I'm eating chocolate, drinking tea and running. </p><p>What's new then, you may ask? (If there are any of you left on this half-abandoned blog.)</p><p>The novelty is that I will do a blogging advent calendar and write a random themed post every day. Let's see if we revive this blog that I adore so much, but have been ignoring for a while. </p><p>See you tomorrow then!</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Tea behind the window:</b> gingerbread treat</p><p><b>Oreo behind the window: </b>chocolate candy bar fun size</p><p><b>Running behind the window: </b>5 minutes (day 1)</p><p><br /></p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-78047651417605172392021-01-08T17:34:00.000+01:002021-01-08T17:34:18.721+01:00Happy 2021!<p style="text-align: justify;">Imagine you had a jacket with two pockets, that you use now and then. With time you learn what to put in which pocket so that you make use of them the best way. It works and you are happy and content. Now imagine that every winter, ou stopped using a jacket at all, because besides your wallet, phone and keys you also need space for your gloves, hat and umbrella. Instead of buying another jacket or finding a way to get more space for your winter things, you simply chose to not go out at all and avoid the problem. Now imagine that one day someone told you to look inside of your jacket. You did and found 5 more pockets there, of different sizes, some with zippers, some with special details and you get excited and try them all, and every time you find new and better possibilities. After a while, it seems basically impossible that you hadn't seen them before and you don't even understand how you could have missed that whole side of something that felt so known and comfortable before. </p><p>That's how I feel. About running.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ozNVD2NgYM1ZvobxLPQQvT7A8g_gcmG8Q6c5ZQNccnBYTUILE9urvl3autqRKTWwcdBoTWXFEvsAmdnFyCv87QHnWWiJ7hnzOuxQ7xH6DqdH5F4Xb7gxXF07CvLYDYGkH5r5L90Dc4M/s1440/15822DCB-A757-4D01-902E-C46D315A1CF2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ozNVD2NgYM1ZvobxLPQQvT7A8g_gcmG8Q6c5ZQNccnBYTUILE9urvl3autqRKTWwcdBoTWXFEvsAmdnFyCv87QHnWWiJ7hnzOuxQ7xH6DqdH5F4Xb7gxXF07CvLYDYGkH5r5L90Dc4M/s320/15822DCB-A757-4D01-902E-C46D315A1CF2.JPG" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I have been running now for nearly 11 years. I was happy and content. Did basically only asphalt running and some races now and then. The more I trained the more my times became (big surprise...), but every winter I stopped running (or reduced it to 1 or 2 times a week) because it was cold and dark and who runs then anyway. Now and then I heard of other people doing mountain running and trail running, and how cool it was but somehow never thought it was for me. But then I moved to the forest (not to an actual forest, but a neighbourhood not far from one). And I found a whole new side of running, full of lite pockets here and there. I had moved here thinking I would use the broad marked paths to run, but got bored of them pretty quickly, especially due to the numerous other options around. </p><p>This is how 2020 became a year of new things. </p><p>This is how I became a forest freak. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuN0hQPadtDk1LkAc3hhyHxsb8YOgoHS1ke0W6qc42b5B816wlgv8CQcKI_3j7LGo-_b5K_-DYKt7KbcyBisfZv9c5mIR5JOGmJnrElWcC5hmWgJCZOeQaFzkkCc__rEeVuJpoVUpuTs/s1440/4EFA5AD6-664A-4876-A40E-7D6B99A576E0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvuN0hQPadtDk1LkAc3hhyHxsb8YOgoHS1ke0W6qc42b5B816wlgv8CQcKI_3j7LGo-_b5K_-DYKt7KbcyBisfZv9c5mIR5JOGmJnrElWcC5hmWgJCZOeQaFzkkCc__rEeVuJpoVUpuTs/s320/4EFA5AD6-664A-4876-A40E-7D6B99A576E0.JPG" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl7Cq_6QIXeEKlI5Ygq6Iv_RccYT9PHaGuDq1R-kfheyxf_Qsbc-CU5EJ1WafiBC8O543PwChTdScN-VVarVuZUydfI9am3HQFIzBfFPuhRrTwqho1Wa-exZNWz5EqhLUAENts0JeQDE/s2048/IMG_1536.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTl7Cq_6QIXeEKlI5Ygq6Iv_RccYT9PHaGuDq1R-kfheyxf_Qsbc-CU5EJ1WafiBC8O543PwChTdScN-VVarVuZUydfI9am3HQFIzBfFPuhRrTwqho1Wa-exZNWz5EqhLUAENts0JeQDE/s320/IMG_1536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Gettings lost in small trails was my favourite summer thing. That and exploring new areas, new trails, new lakes, new challenges (like crawling under a giant tree that had fallen on the trail or climbing a rock to get to the other side). Then came the fall and with it the dark evenings and the wet and muddy trails and I slowly embraced them. With the right clothes, shoes and equipment nothing is too wet or too dark and mud washes off with water and soap. Now that I had fallen in love with running all over again I was just not going to stop because of the weather. Afterwards came winter and its snowy days, and after having survived months of rain and darkness I was just not stopping now either. And so it became that I started 2021 by doing something so new and so old at the same time. Running on snow!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3f2nuUhnHM45fySkxNexthMcbQh4dOzDZ_Wm42ypGgnTJBK7h8EYZ7ZJLRLlS0fcEqPHUWWNk6EkDrN9oZ8Ts_GflU594OMxClkQjkzb0ya_iR-mznihu6uiQ3yxByh8UQgkhXejcWE/s1440/1B4E6040-DC52-48BB-8EEE-52B34A440B06.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3f2nuUhnHM45fySkxNexthMcbQh4dOzDZ_Wm42ypGgnTJBK7h8EYZ7ZJLRLlS0fcEqPHUWWNk6EkDrN9oZ8Ts_GflU594OMxClkQjkzb0ya_iR-mznihu6uiQ3yxByh8UQgkhXejcWE/s320/1B4E6040-DC52-48BB-8EEE-52B34A440B06.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Looking back I don't think it was a mistake to stop before. I just didn't see running the way I see now - as a part of my life and of who I am. Oh... and of course all this joy has made me go out the door more often, run longer than ever (although I'm less tired than before) and I ended up improving my personal bests. Quite a nice side effect :)</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">This is exactly what I want to bring to 2021. Find new within the old. Find challenges within the comfortable. Accept. Adapt. Learn. Try. Live. And have fun, at least a lit bit every day but hopefully much more than that. </p><p>Let's all do that! </p><p>Happy 2021!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2Nb9Sfw4BKShR_ZYH9GbUEBQX6d3n2pVWB0PUMu3A-9gqj9oHITY0T6QOh1RExgrcOT_hiiha4tVP32Ah9NEkRTYoi2c2vCupUkmT-MP0e2LoQdfmsM6GK3x8LnHe8g5WmAdZ7IT16M/s1440/A78A92AC-D87E-4B6E-A385-58DDAD41C972.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX2Nb9Sfw4BKShR_ZYH9GbUEBQX6d3n2pVWB0PUMu3A-9gqj9oHITY0T6QOh1RExgrcOT_hiiha4tVP32Ah9NEkRTYoi2c2vCupUkmT-MP0e2LoQdfmsM6GK3x8LnHe8g5WmAdZ7IT16M/s320/A78A92AC-D87E-4B6E-A385-58DDAD41C972.JPG" /></a></div>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8569921343267676240.post-88219042271662262582020-08-19T21:46:00.003+02:002020-08-19T21:46:57.527+02:00One year later...<p>This long break on my blog was only more or less intentional. Life got really busy last year and at some point, I stopped, reflected, and realized that blogging had become more of a duty than something joyful I did in my free time. I love blogging but I do not enjoy writing under pressure or when I feel I must do it. After that, I decided to take a break, let it go of my to-do list and return only when I felt I wanted to do it again. I knew I would miss it at some point, so there was never a risk for no-return. </p><p>Today was the day. I decided to open my blog again and write whatever crossed my mind. Funny thing... My last post here was exactly one year ago!! I had no idea and thought it was a cool coincidence!</p><p>Here is a summary of what has been going on this side of the world.</p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">August - September</span></p><p>Summer vacation in 2019 was spent cycling along the Swedish west coast and then in Denmark. It was of course great! Great views, decent weather and 10 days full of new things. After that, we started preparing and packing all our belongings to move into a new apartment. </p><p><b>Lesson: no matter when you start packing everything, it is too late!</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ydn5oxS8GlFiPyLEqq0HI-kl744_hT3IiaDR8r1AoGPeet8TJ1C9-ZMdNWUQxy6dd9Xp8jHWU4DpnAKUWxPwijLeWFSwFeqmX5pdFW9L2rrBuDJ6J6hlum37FJ28PmoXJf_Q6al4yQ0/s640/cycling.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-weight: 700; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Ydn5oxS8GlFiPyLEqq0HI-kl744_hT3IiaDR8r1AoGPeet8TJ1C9-ZMdNWUQxy6dd9Xp8jHWU4DpnAKUWxPwijLeWFSwFeqmX5pdFW9L2rrBuDJ6J6hlum37FJ28PmoXJf_Q6al4yQ0/w246-h328/cycling.JPG" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J. answering an important call from the bank regarding our mortgage. Of course, they called when we were cycling along a very noisy road...</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">October</span></p><p>October was marked by very extreme experiences. We moved into our newly finished apartment at the beginning of October. It was so new we could still feel the smell of the paint. Moving day was very intensive but fun. Unfortunately, I also got the worse episode of food poisoning of my life! J. had to leave for a work trip and I stayed behind in the middle of a million boxes, not being able to find tea or a pot to boil some rice. On top of that, the fresh smell of paint soon started making me sick and I couldn't even open the windows for too long because it's Sweden and it was 5oC outside. No, my first days in our new flat were not the best, but it only went upwards from there! I love it here now! </p><p><b>Lesson: do not forget to eat properly, especially when doing something so physically demanding like moving heavy things.</b></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsamXlFoXV1oqgBEVlw-S6eWbLfnyauRFUmd0UICXMyClKoxksYRiIuCQuqAfBjcJTmiLdwnJFbzN60NlC8iANTlgnkJGYZ5LNhd06sei7OO1xKMuagTb3TUk42ehS3dJbepzREYQC_h8/s1600/move.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="513" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsamXlFoXV1oqgBEVlw-S6eWbLfnyauRFUmd0UICXMyClKoxksYRiIuCQuqAfBjcJTmiLdwnJFbzN60NlC8iANTlgnkJGYZ5LNhd06sei7OO1xKMuagTb3TUk42ehS3dJbepzREYQC_h8/w385-h513/move.JPG" width="385" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving day!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><b><br /></b><p></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">November</span></p><p>November is a blur. We only had some basic furniture and a lot had to be bought (and chosen), mounted and fixed. All of this while working full-time busy jobs. The first weeks we only had portable lamps because we never got the damn connection to the ceiling lamps right. Once we were so tired of shopping at Ikea for the millionth time and only wanted to get it done, that we rushed and bought 7 lamps for different parts of the apartment. We ended up returning six... However, the flat was slowly becoming more of a home and less of a random pile of things.</p><p><b>Lesson: do not shop exhausted and/or hungry. Never!</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">December - January</span></p><p>When our new place was finally looking decent we had to leave it for a month, but it was for very good reasons. Our honeymoon! We spent the most amazing four weeks in Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. It was my first time in Asia and only the second for J., so it was all very new. We lived so much in those weeks that we feel we were there for a year. When we returned we were so relaxed and happy that I could barely remember what my job was... Do you know that feeling? </p><p><b>Lesson: so so grateful for being able to go on our honeymoon before the big Covid-19 storm hit us all.</b> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSN3rAS3tb8kYRdiJhWSdjSf8XSUgp8r-LjOwOhdAL5xIvI03bpyXZk2oa__prPqDv7fs3EnuOrqBg3Qn6-9O8qjO9hu0zdkMvbQhMiDvbrmN401qkZbTd9la1tSnePuc5JAX8x1j3os/s2048/DSC_0160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1356" data-original-width="2048" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSSN3rAS3tb8kYRdiJhWSdjSf8XSUgp8r-LjOwOhdAL5xIvI03bpyXZk2oa__prPqDv7fs3EnuOrqBg3Qn6-9O8qjO9hu0zdkMvbQhMiDvbrmN401qkZbTd9la1tSnePuc5JAX8x1j3os/w513-h339/DSC_0160.JPG" width="513" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sharing a magic sunset in Bagan, Myanmar</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">February - April</span></p><p>Uncertainty. First at work, not knowing if Covid-19 was, in fact, going to hit us or not (so naive of us...) and then when it did, at home trying to adapt to the new reality without going crazy. The funny thing was that at the beginning of February I asked my boss if I could work from home a few days every week because I needed more peace to do certain things. He agreed immediately, without having the slight idea that that was going to be the reality for the rest of the year. My Easter trip got cancelled, as everyone else's did. My training improved a lot!</p><p><b>Lesson: Some wishes might become true way more than expected.</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqiRvqAnUq89FKQRLvzgjehPbP_LK4Kuq9pbP6e4EC_2fGiFVDI6xB7hbNmm5PGmYCtoURTuEKxaZsUM7MKPcN6dBAvot2ntmzFho-5ewsEt5Vnl1wMn7zLKX6IHcKsECTf_n4QkFCS1c/w410-h308/forest.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="410" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We live now very close to a big forest and have been busy exploring its best spots :)</td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">Ma</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">y - June</span></p><p>Accepted new reality and re-organized life in general. We transformed our soon-to-be guest room into a mini gym and an office with a big screen and standing/sitting desk. Online meetings became normal as did walks several times of day to prevent pains in new places. Our patio became a small garden where we started growing some vegetables and a nice bar for having after-work drinks on Fridays. The good weather also brought everyone else out to their balconies and we started to get knowing our neighbours, which turned out to be very nice. </p><p><b>Lesson: So many! Maybe the most important is to be grateful for everything I have and for having learned to adapt to challenges life brings me. These have made me handle the pandemic in a better way than most.</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMRG8Gfd4b8CioG3J3vbl4EE4q8rZkzN01ixTSropyJlLZXiuJb6Et1G4yZK9jdPyDrhOU1S4SWRhEfetHVIn_cA4Uwj0YnFI7RiVhUwIg4RLioxrf2R8u3wXXMfBV9ysguCGUodMzQg/s640/rasmus.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZMRG8Gfd4b8CioG3J3vbl4EE4q8rZkzN01ixTSropyJlLZXiuJb6Et1G4yZK9jdPyDrhOU1S4SWRhEfetHVIn_cA4Uwj0YnFI7RiVhUwIg4RLioxrf2R8u3wXXMfBV9ysguCGUodMzQg/w308-h410/rasmus.JPG" width="308" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rasmus, our nicest neighbour, who likes to hang and to nap in our patio <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">July - August</span></p><p>First, it was crazy with work, including many many extra hours, but then it was summer vacation again. Once again we cycled around, this time only in Sweden, and once again it was great. Sweden is so beautiful! Now it's back to work, mostly from home for the rest of the year, which is ok, because I got used to it. Oh, and I'm also training for my first marathon! I will do it on my own, or rather just with J., because all the races have been cancelled. </p><p><b>Lesson: Sometimes the calm comes after the storm, and it feels great!</b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_U_ZRIONJHC5glukRGwqhmRabMnLjHSJsN0BIFOpnDXV8TYZfcMZg8CPkJACP7nhwpIzlJH1FdUqY62QLoNPpKIzboR4J00C-QNFE8RuUoTIHa0_XODTd0cIGOplde8Tsh9Ri_Gst3w/s1440/gotland.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1431" data-original-width="1440" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_U_ZRIONJHC5glukRGwqhmRabMnLjHSJsN0BIFOpnDXV8TYZfcMZg8CPkJACP7nhwpIzlJH1FdUqY62QLoNPpKIzboR4J00C-QNFE8RuUoTIHa0_XODTd0cIGOplde8Tsh9Ri_Gst3w/w410-h408/gotland.JPG" width="410" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gotland, the largest Swedish island - a beauty!<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p>And how have you been? Have your life changed a lot in the last year? Do I still have any readers at all? </p><p><br /></p>Sarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10253838573051274640noreply@blogger.com6